BR 

H5TS 





Class 1 

LI 




NARRATIVE 



OF THE 

7 



PROCEEDINGS 



IN THE 



NORTH PARISH OF HINGHAM, 



FROM THE TIME OF THE REV. DR. WARE'S LEAVING IT, 
TO THE ORDINATION OF THE REV. JOSEPH RICHARD- 
SON OVER THE FIRST CHURCH AND CONGREGATION, 
AND OF MR. HENRY COLMAN OVER THE THIRD 
CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN THE NORTH PARISH. 



BY AN INHABITANT. 






41 And I viill shew tbe nations thy nakedness t and the kingdoms thy shame." 

. n ol &H>~.* -Nahum iii. &, 



'■Q* : : *$ 



SALEM.- 

Printed by joshua gushing* 

X807. 



31? S-6 O 

.tiers' 



TO THE READER. 

MANY and cbntradictory reports have been circulated con- 
cerning the unhappy difficulties which have taken place in 
the north parish of Hingham, subsequent to the Rev. Dr. 
Ware's removal to the university at Cambridge. Mr. Rich- 
ardson, who has obtained a settlement in that parish as his 
successor, in opposition to the wishes of a large portion of the 
society, has always pretended " an ability to confute the 
(e charges against him, and a desire to be brought before an 
*f impartial tribunal, face to face with his accusers, in order 
" to convince his opposers in this parish that they have been 
€< misinformed." Why he has never yet done this — whether 
owing to himself, his friends, or opposers — and how far 
there was reason to object to him as a gospel minister — are 
.left to an impartial public to determine. The opposition to 
Mr. Richardson was not generated in political animosity ; nor 
was the information respecting his character, which gave rise 
to that opposition, obtained through political channels. Acci- 
dent, as will be seen, first led to suspicion, which facts, gra- 
dually unfolded, afterwards confirmed. It is not to be sup- 
posed that those who composed the opposition were so re- 
gardless of their own interest, as to suffer a mere difference 
in political sentiments to drive them from their fathers' house 
of worship, in which they held one half or more of the pri- 
vate pews (besides their share in the public property) which 
pews alone would have been considered equal to six thousand 
dollars, had the former harmony continued : we trust they 
have been governed by higher motives — by a conscious re- 
gard to duty and principle. The tie is at length broken, by 
which the parish was held together. The writer of this nar- 
rative, before he left the house, did personally, and also 
through the medium of some of Mr. Richardson's friends, so- 
licit for an interview, in order to be convinced of the false- 
hood of the reports which affected Mr. Richardson's charac- 



t 4 ] 

ter ; but it never Could be obtained ; and at the ordination, 
he was forbid, by a constable who guarded the door of the 
council, to enter to hear what his vindication might be. But 
as many hard things have been said against the writer, and 
much injury to his interest attempted, for the undissembled 
part he has taken in the affair, that desire which every man 
ought to have for the approbation of the wise and good, has 
induced him to submit this, in justification of his conduct ; 
and he pledges himself for its being a correct statement of 
what has come to his knowledge. Conscious of having act- 
ed with a view to the good of the parish, and without preju- 
dice against Mr. Richardson or his friends, he has no further 
apology to make than this : If, after having first heard those 
reports, to have industriously searched for the truth, is a fault 
—then he has done wrong ; and if, after believing them true, 
to object against such a character for his minister^ is a fault 
—then he may be said to be in the wrong, 



A NARRATIVE, 8tc, 



A FULL narrative of our parish difficulties, with their 
rise and progress, will lead to the mention of the names of 
some persons, and of some private conversations, which 
would be gladly omitted. But as truth, and information to 
the public at large, as well as a just understanding of the 
subject by the people of the town, are the objects, it cannot 
be avoided. 

On the Rev. Dr. Ware's being called to the professorship 
of divinity in the university of Cambridge, it of course became 
necessary to procure some other person to supply the pulpit. 
A parish meeting was therefore held on the 22d of April, 
1805 (Col. Nathan Rice moderator) and the following gen- 
tlemen were chosen a committee for that purpose, with in- 
structions to engage a preacher for not more than four sab- 
baths successively, viz. Hawkes Fearing, Benjamin Andrews, 
Caleb Thaxter, Levi Lincoln, jun. and Benjamin Cushing. 

This committee engaged three candidates, who preached a 
month each. At the expiration of this time, it being under- 
stood by a part of the committee, and by some other persons, 
that said committee was to stand but three months — as no 
material objections had been made to either of the gentle- 
men who had preached with us — and as some persons 
thought hearing a large number might create a division, and 
that we should not do better than to hear one of these again, 
some of the committee wished for another meeting. Ac- 
cordingly a parish meeting was called July 27th, 1805. 

At this meeting (Col. Rice moderator) it was voted not to 
engage either of the three candidates who had preached, for 
the present. The sa,me committee was continued, with liber- 



[ 9 I 

?y to engage a candidate, after hearing him three sabbaths, 
for a longer time, if they should judge it proper; or to engage 
another person to supply the pulpit. 

At this meeting there was discovered something of that 
spirit which has since produced so much disturbance in the 
^rish, and finally issued in its division. At its opening it 
■was inquired by whom the meeting had been called, and a 
great degree of astonishment expressed, by Mr. Jacob Lea- 
vitt in particular, that a meeting should be called at so busy 
a time in the year, especially after it was so well understood 
at a former meeting, that a number of candidates were to be 
heard four weeks at a time until the fall, when we should be 
more at leisure. For his own part he hoped that resolution 
would be adhered to. It was further observed by some 
others, that to call back either of the gentlemen who had 
been already employed, unless we settled them, might hurt 
their feelings ; and as some people did not like either, it was 
best not to hear them again at present. Prudence forbade 
its being urged. 

After the expiration of the term for which the last candi- 
date had been engaged, Mr. Joseph Richardson, having been 
suggested by Mr, Hawkes Fearing, was engaged by Dr. Le- 
vi Lincoln, jun. How Mr. 'Fearing came to the knowledge 
of such a person is not exactly known ; but it has been hint- 
ed that it was by the recommendation of a Mr. Benjamin 
Gleason, a young man who kept a school in Charlestown, 
\vh« was at Hingham in the winter of 1804-5, teaching ma* 
sonic principles. 

Mr. Richardson came into town, in other respects, a stran- 
ger to every one ; of consequence there was a general in- 
quiry, who the preacher w T as, from whence he came, at what 
college he was educated, &c. On his name and place of re- 
sidence (which was Charlestown) being mentioned, some 
person, who had an acquaintance with that town, being then 
in Hingham, inquired whether he was the Mr. Richardson 
who had been sued aud cast for a breach of promise of mar- 
riage. It was ascertained from Dr. Dunn, who had resided 
some time in Charlestown, and who had connexions in Hing- 
ham, that this was the same Mr. Richardson ; that he had 
been so unfortunate as not only to have the imputation of 
this breach of promise against him, but also that of a breach 
of friendship and confidence with Dr. Morse, his patron, and 
instructor in divinity ; and also a quarrel, with Commodore 



[ * ] 

Nicholson, which came to blows ; and another with Daniel 
Parker, Esq. for which he had been horsewhipped ; and it 
was said, that the circumstances of these matters might be 
known at that place. 

These reports circulated, and were inquired into with all 
that assiduity which was natural to a people actuated by a 
serious concern respecting the character of the man who 
might become their minister. 

fn this state of affairs Mr. Richardson and his adherents 
were not indifferent or inactive, and in their zeal betrayed 
some evidences of what were their intentions. This natural- 
ly excited the attention of some steady and discerning per- 
sons towards the conduct of the candidate and his friends, 
and led them to make further inquiry into his past conduct. 
Mr. Richardson furnished his friends with the certificate of 
John Smith, pastor of the church at Dartmouth college, dat- 
ed Hanover, N.H.August 30th, 1802; the approbation of 
Andover Association, dated Oct. 4, 1803 ; a letter of recom- 
mendation from Dr. Cummings to Dr. Morse, dated Billeri- 
ca, Jan. 2d, 1804; and a certificate from David Goodwin, 
Thomas Harris and Matthew Bridge, trustees of Charlestown, 
free schools, dated August 16th, 1805. His friends had these 
recommendatory papers read to particular individuals, and in 
collected companies, representing v them as satisfactory evi- 
dences of the goodness of his character, and as a full confu- 
tation of the facts alledged against him ; although the dates 
were all, except the last, antecedent to the publicity of 
those facts. 

About this time Mr. Richardson brought with him to Hing- 
ham a man from Charlestown, by the name of Sweetser, 
and they together furnished the following reports for general 
circulation, in order to destroy all doubts respecting the amia- 
bleness of his character, and to wipe off all imputation of 
fault in him respecting the accounts we had heard. His 
friends strongly charged any person who mentioned those ac- 
counts with being inimical to Mr. Richardson from political 
views, thereby endeavouring to engage all republicans (as 
they called themselves) in his favour, by giving the dispute a 
political turn, though the opposers did not know, nor perhaps 
generally care, what his politics were. 

Mr. Charles Lincoln, one of Mr. Richardson's adherents, 
told the following story, respecting the affair between Daniel 
Parker, Esq. and Mr. Richardson: — ''Mr. Parker and Mr, 



{ a 3 

•" Richardson, walking out together at a particular time, pas- 
" sed a well dressed woman, to whom Parker bowed, which 
" occasioned Mr. Richardson to bow also. After they had 
« gone on a little way, Parker inquired if he knew to whom 
«* he had been bowing; and being answered in the negative — 
[Here follows an observation respecting her character, which 
from its indecency we decline repeating.] cc To which Mr, 
* Richardson replied, he did not know that ; but he had 
« bowed, being in company with him, and supposing she 
« might be a lady of virtue. A few days afterwards, when 
«* she met Parker, and inquired what little handsome devil 
« he had with him at that time, he told her it was Mr. 
« Richardson, a young clergyman, who boarded with him. 
« After this, Parker would be frequently rallying him about 
* ( it before company, and insinuating that he was acquainted 
" with her. Parker, with Mr. Gleason, a young gentleman 
<c who kept a school in Charlestown, went to the house where 
*< this same young woman boarded, and introduced Gleason 
tc by the name of Richardson, a young clergyman. By this 
" name Gleason continued his visits to said house undiscover- 
« ed some time, till a woman belonging to the same house di- 
<( ed, for the appraisement of whose apparel a Mr. Nichols, 
Ci either keeper of the hotel, or his brother, was called. At 
f¥ this place, when on this business, Mr. Nichols frequently 
I* heard Mr. Richardson mentioned as a person who visited 
" that house, and with whom they seemed well acquainted. 
(S He took an opportunity, and mentioned it to Mr. Richard- 
u son, who was struck with surprise, and wondered from 
<* what cause it could have arisen ; but upon inquiry found 
c< Mr. Parker and Mr. Gleason had been visiting, and making 
<s the aforesaid imposition. In an explanation on the subject 
<l betwixt Parker and Richardson, some warm words had en- 
iC sued, but that no blows ever took place, though Richardson 
f would have done no more than justice if he had broken 
<f Parker's neck." This, Mr. Charles Lincoln conveyed in 
such a manner as if he had had it from Mr. Richardson him* 
self, and as if it was the whole truth. The same being re- 
lated to Mr. James Stevenson, (another of Mr. Richardson's 
adherents) some short time after, he was asked whether it 
was true, and whether it came from Mr. Richardson. His 
reply was, " Yes, I believe it did : although I did not hear it 
<e from Mr. Richardson myself, I believe Mr. Hawkes Fearing 
( * did, and that it is correct, except the last part, that there 



{ 9 ] 

tf were no blows ; for Parker did strike him with a little 
(: stick." 

At the same time Mr. Stevenson said, in extenuation of 
Mr. Richardson's conduct as it respected Miss Robinson, the 
young woman who had prosecuted him for a breach of pro- 
mise, " that, although he had been cast at the inferiour court 
(C at Concord, he was not guilty of a breach of promise ; and 
f* that if he had brought forward his defence, Mr. Dana had 
<c said he would have been acquitted :* that he had a letter 
<c from her, consenting to their parting, which delicacy to- 
" ward her had kept back : that this letter would be brought 
u forwar'd at the Supreme Court, when there was no doubt 
u he would be acquitted, as Mr. Richardson said there was 
ee no evidence produced against him in the trial, either from 
<e his letters or otherwise, until her brother came on the 
* stand, and swore to a strange something." 

It was also reported in town, that she had been indiscreet 
enough to keep company with other men, which Mr. Rich- 
ardson had discovered by com-ng upon them himself. 

As to Commodore Nicholson, they said he was a quarrel- 
some old man ; that he had come with his son into Mr. Rich* 
ardson-s school in school time, and treated him like a brute 
by falling upon him with violence, consequently there was no 
avoiding self defence. 

Mr. Parker was generally represented by Mr. Richardson's 
friends, at this time, as a quarrelsome, debauched, unprinci- 
pled man. 

In this way did they mitigate Mr. Richardson's conduct 
among his republican partisans. 

Mr. Charles Lincoln reported, that Mr. Richardson said 
there was not any thing communicated by Dr. Morse, enjoin- 
ing secresy on him ; that the Doctor had spoken disrespect 

* Mr. Richardson not only told the same to others, but since his ordi- 
nation he told the Rev Mr. Norton, of Weymouth, <4 that he never was 
" under any engagement, and that at the inferiour court he looked upon 
" hi .self so innocent as not to think it necessary to make any defence; 
M but that he had appealed, and now intended to bring- forward such 
** proof of innocence, that he had no doubt of being honourably acquitted ;" 
which story had such weight on Mr Norton's mind, as to induce him to 
write a letter to Col. Rice, in which he states, " that he is led to be. 
** lieve Mr. Richardson innocent, from such documents as explicitly and 
" solemnly declare he never made any promise ot marriage to Miss Ro- 
" binso.i ; but on the contrary," &c. Notwithstanding this belief, how- 
ever, he has been cast at the Supreme Court since, at Cambridge, with 
additional damages. 

B 



I K> } 

Mly of some persons in Mr. Krchardson*s presence, wliich 
had leaked out by some means, and got to them ; and be- 
cause Mr. Richardson had told the truth, on being questioned 
about it, the Doctor had become inimical to him. 

Such were the reports got into circulation. Whenevev 
Mr. Richardson was in town, the little time he spent here 
Was taken up in visiting a few friends, and in being carried 
by them to pray with the old and infirm, to give an appear- 
ance of great piety and attention. He was also uncommon- 
ly particular to notice the poor ; of which his friends took ad- 
vantage, and gave it out as another reason which caused the 
"opposition. By this means the minds of those people were 
prejudiced in his favour, and prepared to believe any thing 
which was told them, without any examination of its truth 
tjr probability. 

In this time the opposers had heard more particulars of the 
"charges -against Mr. Richardson, especially that of Mr. Par- 
Iter, and the cause of his whipping him. 

His friends* zealous to secure him, lest so good a man 
"should be taken up by another parish, spread a report, that 
'the committee for supplying the pulpit would <not engage him 
after the four first sabbaths should be out. Therefore a peti- 
tion for a parish meeting came out, signed by twenty or 
more persons, and headed by Mr. Jacob Leavitt, who about 
%t fortnight since wondered that a meeting had been called at 
so busy a time, and hoped a resolution would be taken for no 
more till fall. Accordingly a meeting was holden Aug. 2d, 
1805. 

At this meeting (Capt. Thomas Fearing moderator) the pa- 
'rish came together with all the zeal of warm partisans. It 
"was proposed to engage Mr. Richardson for 16, 12, 8, and 4 
sabbaths. The -arguments made use of at a former meeting 
were now turned on Mr. Richardson's friends, by reminding 
them it would be best not to engage him longer at present, 
lest, if he should not be finally settled here, his feelings 
might be hurt, and it would abroad be imputed to a want of 
character, and he be injured ; but that, if we let him retire 
now, as the other gentlemen had done, we might at some fu- 
ture time invite him again. In the mean time his character 
might be better known ; as some people were doubtful whe- 
ther he possessed all that discretion which was requisite in 
our situation ; and none appeared to be acquainted with his 
religious tenete (which were thought to be concealed) further 



£ If 3 

- 

than could be gathered from the few sermons he had preach- 
ed, some of which appeared to be very Calvinistic, and 
others very different. To this it was replied, that he had 
said of himself he was not Calvin istic. It was in this meet- 
ing proposed, by his friend Fearing^ to bring forward the re. 
commendations in his favour, which had been given him by 
the Rev. Mr. Smith and others, as before mentioned, and 
every thing which had been said against him abroad was 
with great warmth asserted to be false, and any person chal- 
lenged to mention even one of them as fact. In tenderness 
to Mr. Richardson this subject was waved by his opposers ; 
who observed, that out-door talk could not be prevented; bu£ 
to introduce the discussion of such reports into a parish meet** 
ing would give them a publicity, which ought to be avoided : 
that Mr. Richardson's character ought to be viewed as sab- 
ered, and treated as good, at present ; and that the parish 
should proceed in such manner as would best promote their 
common good. 

This is the time to which Mr. Richardson must allude, 
when in his answer to the parish he says, the « purpose was 
understood " — no doubt by him and a few friends, that he 
.should be palmed upon this parish. Accordingly a vote was 
obtained to hire him eight Sundays more, after his present 
time should expire. The beforenamed committee was dis- 
missed, and the standing yearly committee were ordered to 
engage Mr. Richardson for the time voted, and also to see 
the pulpit supplied afterwards., till further ordered. The meet- 
ing was then dissolved. 

Mr. Richardson was informed of the parish request for bin* 
to continue eight sabbaths longer, which he readily accepted,, 
and all parties very generally attended meeting. Before this 
time had expired, the situation of the parish, and the reports 
in circulation, began to be known in the neighbouring towns, 
and Mr. Richardson met with difficulty to obtain an exchange 
with an ordained minister, so as to have the Christian ordi- 
nances administered. This was charged to his opposers. At 
last he procured the Rev. Mr. Harris once, which was con- 
sidered by his friends as very much in his favour. 

About two or three weeks we remained pretty quiet, though 
the subject was a general topic of conversation. Mr. Richard- 
son, during this time, was careful to bring his nian frous 



[ 12 1 

Charlestown with him almost every time he came, in order 
to give favourable reports concerning him. As they now 
boarded together in Charlestown, his friends were invited to 
come and see them, and hear for themselves how well he 
was liked and spoken of there. Those who accepted the in- 
vitation expressed great satisfaction at their reception and 
the attention shewn them, and reported what an amiable 
character every one, whom they had fallen in with, gave 
Mr. Richardson. He began now to be very cautious of 
seeing any of his opposers, never calling on them when in 
town, and seldom being to be found at his lodgings. It is 
true, he did not tarry long in town at any one time; but 
that time was devoted altogether to a chosen part, to carry 
on that intrigue which was now " well understood." In or- 
der to keep up the farce of religion, whenever an opportuni- 
ty presented, he was carried to some place for prayer, with a 
crowd of followers to give an after sound of praise. 

There was a caucus held by his friends, m which it was 
agreed to call another parish meeting at the expiration of 
his last sabbath ; to choose a new parish committee, and in 
what manner to choose them, and also what mode of con- 
duct to pursue during the time he must be absent, which 
would be four Sundays, and perhaps longer, to attend the 
court at Cambridge ; and, as his friend Jacob Leavitt observ- 
ed, he might be forced to jail, to satisfy judgment. This 
apprehension of his arose, perhaps, from having seen a 
copy of Mr. Richardson's letter to the lady he had abandon- 
ed, after the verdict which was given at the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas, where he says, " If after all you should get your 
<e cause at the Supreme Court, which I will not warrant, I 
* c shall answer all your pretended obligations in thirty 
<• days," &c. [See document No. 48.] 

A petition wal presented for another parish meeting, to be 
held Oct, 14, 1805 : at which, after choosing Capt. Thomas 
Fearing moderator, it was voted that there be a committee 
of seven to supply the pulpit, and that they be chosen by 
written votes, with all their names on each ticket. 

Hawkes Fearing, Jacob Leavitt, Thomas Fearing, Seth Lin- 
coln, Ezra Lincoln, Laban Hersey and John Marsh were cho- 
sen, as had been agreed on at the caucus. As all the votes had 
been prepared for the purpose, no person carried in any others. 
The committee were instructed to hire a preacher four sab- 
baths, with liberty at the expiration of this time to employ 



t 13 ] 

the same person, or any other, for four sabbaths more, unless 
otherwise ordered by the parish. It was also voted that this 
committee be instructed to inquire into Mr. Richardson's cha- 
racter, and report to the parish what may be depended upon 
with regard to his former conduct. 

At this meeting a great deal of desultory conversation took 
place. As it was well known by the opposersof Mr. Rrichard- 
son, that his friends intended to hire him again as soon as he 
should be free from court, it was observed, since every one's 
mind was made up as to his like or dislike of him as a preacher, 
his character ought to be ascertained in the first place. To 
which his friends replied, His character is good; we do not 
want any person who has not a good one ; if he cannot get a 
recommendation from the ministers of his association and 
neighbourhood, we will give him up. Such were the impres- 
sions made on the minds of many good men, by Mr. Richard- 
son's own declaration of the falsehood of the reports against 
him, and of his readiness for an examination. But a number 
of the opposers now very well knew, that some of the sto- 
ries, which his friends circulated in his favour, were incorrect, 
if not false. It was again asserted in this meeting, with 
much warmth, that everything alledged against Mr. Richard- 
son was false ; and any one who dared assert the contrary 
was challenged to come forward. Upon which one of the 
opposers said he would pledge himself to support the four fol- 
lowing facts. First, that Mr. Richardson had been sued for 
a breach of promise of marriage, and cast in the Court of 
Common Pleas at Concord for five hundred dollars. Second- 
ly, that he had made a communication of a private conversa- 
tion, between himself and Dr. Morse. Thirdly, that he had 
had a quarrel with Commodore Nicholson, which came to 
blows. Fourthly, that he and Daniel Parker Esq. had had a 
fracas, in which Parker horse-whipped him. How far Mr. 
Richardson had been blarnable, he did not take upon himself 
to say ; but he thought an inquiry ought to be made. For 
his own part, he felt dissatisfied. He further observed, that 
some gentlemen, while vindicating Mr. Richardson's charac- 
ter, seemed regardless of other people's. Here he mentioned 
the story told by Mr. Charles Lincoln, and confirmed by Mr. 
James Stevenson, in vindication of Mr. Richardson in his fra- 
cas with Mr. Parker. He further observed, if what he had 
heard from respectable characters in Charlestown was correct, 
Mr. Richardson, or his friends in this place for him, had giv- 



t 14 ] 

en a wrong statement, and that Mr. Richardson was blama* 
fcle. He then related, that he had been told the fracas be- 
tween Messrs. Parker and Richardson was hi consequence of 
a conversation at table, about an act of a play, in which wat 
exhibited a certain hypocritical character, which Parker ap* 
plied to Richardson. He mentioned the injustice of sacrifi- 
cing Messrs. Parker and Gleason's characters, in support of 
Riehar/ison, and referred to a number of young gentlemen, 
who were better acquainted with their brother Gleason than 
be was, for the probability of the two stories : whether they 
thought Mr. Gleason such a villain as to borrow Mr. Richard- 
son's name to visit a house, he was ashamed to visit under 
his own name ; Or whether ithey thought him fool enough to 
take a witness if he did go, seeing that his future fortune was 
likely to depend upon the character he should maintain, Af* 
ter putting their heads together they answered, it was noi 
brother Gleason. He then asked what Gleason it was. To 
which they replied, they did not know. This story had cir- 
culated six weeks or more, every body supposing it to be the 
same Benjamin Gleason who taught masonry here in 1804, 
nor could any other be conjured up afterward. But it had 
been done for the benefit of Mr. Richardson by his friends, 
and probably the first materials of it were furnished to them 
by his means. 

After this relation some other people of the parish thought 
an inquiry had better be made, and various methods were 
proposed, by some of his friends, who had not been in the se- 
cret caucus. One, that Mr. Richardson bring recommenda- 
tions from the ministers, or deacons. But it was remarked, 
that the places proper to inquire at were where he had 
been ; that if taverns, hotels or brothels were the places of 
his imprudences, they were the fittest places to learn his 
character, which ministers and deacons probably knew no- 
thing about. Another, that two persons, one of his friends, 
and one of his opposers, should go with Mr. Richardson to, 
the persons knowing the facts, and inquire, and bring back 
the result in writing : then there could be no further dispute 
about what was truth, as there had been different relations 
made by the parties on every subject. After various propo* 
sals of this kind, Mr. Jacob Leavitt, one of the cabinet, pro- 
posed, with a little modesty, that the parish committee (he 
being one) should make this inquiry. To this some of the 
opposition replied, that they imagined it would give but little 



i 13 ] 

satisfaction to the discontented for such men to inquire, and 
that the proposal for one on each side would be much better. 
As this was not the result in the caucus, it was overruled ; 
and after insulting the opposition by proposing to add two of 
their number to the committee, which they said was more 
than they deserved, it was concluded that the first chosen 
should be the men. 

The dissatisfied, being in this situation, informed the parish 
that they should inquire for themselves ; and procured a num- 
-feer of written documents from gentlemen of respectability con- 
cerning his conduct at Ghcirlestown. -From certain reports 
"which had been spread by his friends respecting Miss Robin- 
ion, and his having shown an extract of a letter from her to 
iiim, in which, it was said, " she gave her consent to dissolve 
■fhe connexion," a particular inquiry was made into her cha- 
racter, and measures taken to know the truth of these reports, 
the result of which convinced the opposers that their objec- 
tions to the man were net without foundation. [See docu- 
ments Nos. 35, &6, 37, 38 and .39.] 

From the story of Mr. Charles Lincoln, brother Benjamin 
Reason's character stood so implicated it was necessary 
something should be done to set it right. The next time Mr. 
-Richardson came to Hingham, and I think the last of his 
weight Sundays, previous to his ieaving town on Monday he 
was applied to by Mr. Jotham Lincoln, jun. to know -who the 
&eforenamed Mr. Gleason was. Mr. Richardson was very 
3nuch surprised to think so much consequence had been at- 
tached to the matter, and told a story of this nature : Parker 
-and himself, walking out together at a certain time, passed a 
well dressed woman, to whom Parker bowed, and he also-; 
■sifter which he, Parker, would be frequently rallying him for 
'4t in company. As it respected Parker and Gleason, that on a 
time they passed the house where the woman lived, and Par- 
ker stopped at the door or window, to speak to her. Mr- 
Gleason turning himself about a little to wait, she inquired 
who that little handsome man was. Parker answered, a 
■young clergyman ; but called no names. Respecting the cir- 
cumstance of the farce, he was silent at this time, excusing 
himself, as being in a hurry. 

This last Sunday, December 1805, he gave some evidence 
©f his abilities to heal the divisions and effect a reconciliation 
between the parties, by exhibiting the pride of the rich and 
-aristocratic part of Jhe community, who, he ;said, after they 



[ is i 

had supplied themselves with all the blessings they wanted, if 
any remained, would suffer the poor then to come in ; and 
expressing his fears lest after him wolves might come in and 
devour us. And with these suggestions he quitted for the 
present. 

The desk being now at the disposal of the committee and 
Mr. Richardson, the committee procured a gentleman to 
preach four Sundays, who had a general attendance in the 
house, and easily obtained an exchange for the communion. 

Both parties at this time were engaged in making their in- 
quiries, and warm disputes arose in the parish about each 
other's conduct. The opposers were charged with ruining 
Mr. Richardson's character; and his friends said they were 
bound as Christians to assist in setting it right in the eyes of 
the world. Mr. Richardson said, he was hold en here by du- 
ty to himself in vindication of his character. To this it was 
replied, that his character was not made in this town, but 
that he brought it with him ; that every man's character 
would follow him whenever he offered himself for public office; 
that he came here a stranger ; that we reported nothing but 
what was known where he was known, and what had been 
related to us ; that we did not yet presume to mention any 
thing which w T e might have in our minds against him for his 
conduct here, consequently in this he could not have suffered 
by coming among us. 

It was mentioned to his friends by some individuals, that 
their minds were open to conviction, and if Mr. Richardson 
would call on them, and make it appear that these reports 
were calumnies, they would assist in evidence against the 
persons who had raised them, and even go so far as to give 
pecuniary aid to procure satisfaction ; but if true, they could 
not be willing such a man should be set over them in the : 
Gospel; but at present they were led to believe most of them 
"were true. 

It was also stated, that a regular ecclesiastical council of 
neighbouring churches never could be obtained to ordain him ; 
that with such an opposition, and with a man whose cha- 
racter required so much patching, we had better quit him, 
and try some other person ; otherwise the parish, which had 
many years been united, would be broken up. But it was 
insisted upon that his character was good, and must be tried 
in justification to Mr. Richardson. At this time it was cur- 
rently reported by his friends, that there were only eight or 
ten unprincipled old tories against him. 



{ 17 ] 

*Fhe parish being in this ferment, many stories circulated^ 
among others, that Mr. Richardson had been excommunicat- 
ed from Dr. Morse's church ; which arose from some persons 
not distinguishing between excommunication and suspension, 
or whether it was voluntary or otherwise. This gave great 
offence, and was called another lie, raised by his opposers. 
In order to confirm it, Mr. Richardson applied to Dr. Morse 
for a certificate that he had not been excommunicated. The 
Doctor gave him one, that he had been neither excommuni- 
cated nor suspended ; because he never belonged to his 
church. With this he furnished his friends, who used it 
among the people without, and probably would have brought 
it forward at their next parish meeting ; but discovering that 
the opposers had the whole truth (as may be seen from Docu- 
ment No. 7) it was kept back. 

The opposers having procured written statements of seve* 
lal facts, it was agreed to have several copies taken of the 
documents Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, in order to be shewn to 
any person in the parish, who was disposed to read them. To 
prevent any incorrectness, no others were allowed to tran- 
scribe them, nor those to go out of the hands of certain per- 
sons ; but to be read by any in their presence. This in a few 
days brought from the committee for inquiring into Mr.'Richard- 
son's character, a recommendation of him from the selectmen 
of Charlestown. [Document No. 15.] It may be noted here, 
that this committee may truly be called the secret committee ; 
for all their business was prepared in conclave, and nothing 
©f it known to the opposers, except by accident from some of 
the subordinate attendants on the caucus, who were admitted 
in order to take directions how to vote. Copies of this re* 
commendation were given to all the friends who wished for 
them. At the same time care was taken to fault the oppo- 
sers for not doing the same by theirs, and falsehood and for- 
gery were assigned to be the reasons why they durst not. It 
"was said they never would dare come forth openly with 
them. 

These gentlemen selectmen of Charlestown were applied 
to for further information on the subject, as may be seen by 
Document No. 21. But their wisdom prevented an answer. 

Another tale was, that Deacon Goodwin had said, although 
as one of the trustees he had recommended him, he should 
not choose him for his own gospel minister. This was car- 
ried back to him, which occasioned him to write again, that 



i is } 

lie ftad not altered his former opinion; which may be seen 
by Document No. 16, and also how far he would now ap- 
prove of him for his own minister. 

As it was understood by the committee, and Mr. Richard* 
son, that he was to have a call, the gentleman who had 
preached the last month was dismissed, lest he should make a 
division among the friends, because many appeared to like 
him ; and a man by the name of Huse was sent by Mr. 
Richardson to supply the desk (till he should be prepared to 
come himself) and to answer in some measure the purposes 
of the man from Charlestown, whose usefulness had been in 
some measure lost since the detection of the falsehood con- 
cerning Gleason and Parker.* 

After Mr. Huse had preached a while, Mr. Richardson 
came himself to preach the thanksgiving discourse. The day 
after, formal notice was given for the opposers to meet him 
in the presence of his friends, and inform him what charges 
they had against him. Some of the opposers thought it best 
not to notice this call, as it would be of no use, and probably 
many false reports might arise from it; therefore they refus- 
ed. Col. Rice, Mr. Thomas Loring and others, being of a 
different opinion, they met him and his friends, and read to 
him documents Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 ; of which he re-* 
quested copies. He was answered, as he knew the facts, and 
the gentlemen who furnished them, he, or his friends, might 
procure them whenever they pleased ; as the gentlemen who 
furnished us, would give them the same. He was now ques<- 
tioned, whether the contents were true ; to which he an- 
swered in the negative. He was then asked, whether he 
meant that the statements w r ere false, or that the whole 
truth was not told. To this question he replied, that the co- 
louring gave them a very different appearance from what 
they would have, told otherwise. This occasioned what was 
at first conjectured would be the issue : his friends came out 
with a report, that Mr. Richardson denied the charges, and 
wished for copies of the documents, which were unreasona- 
bly refused him. Whereas his opposers conceived that he ac- 
knowledged the facts, but said the colouring conveyed too 
much. The assurance with which Mr. Richardson heard 
these documents led some of his friends to confess, that 
though they believed them true, they would still support him. 

* This story was traced so far as to discover that it must have rested 
upon him or Mr. Richardson. 



f 19 J 

The minds of the parish having been prepared, a parish 
meeting was holden December Oth, 1805. At this meeting 
(Jacob Leavitt moderator) it was voted " that no papers for 
" or against Mr. Richardson's character be read in this meet- 
c< ing, but such as may be deposited with the clerk to be re^ 
" corded, and the originals be returned to a committee which 
jf the parish shall appoint to receive them, after they are re* 
" corded." 

The following documents were read. A certificate of 
John Smith, No. 9 ; approbation of Andover Association, No. 
10; a letter of Dr. Cummings, No. 11 ; a certificate of Da- 
vid Goodwin and others, No. 12; one of Nathaniel Hawking 
and others, No. 15; one of Pierson Nichols, No. 14; one of 
A. Adams, No. 18 ; statement of S. Dana;* a recommenda- 
dation of Nathaniel Huse, No. 17. It was also voted, « thaft 
ff the documents which may be produced, unfavourable to the 
ft character of Mr. Richardson, and his letter of defence, may 
" be read without being given up or recorded." The same 
were accordingly read. After which, the meeting was ad** 
journed till 8 o'clock next morning, at which time the parisjji 
met again. It was " voted to accept the report of the 
\ committee to investigate the character of Mr. Richardson,''-' 
which is as follows : — ff Your committee, appointed to inves- 
" tigate the character of Mr. Richardson, ask leave to re- 
Si port, that they have attended that service ; and from the 
'• best information we can obtain, we believe him a gentle,- 
" man of good moral character, as the accompanying docur 
** ments will abundantly testify. We now request any gt^r 
* c tlemen to come forward with any thing to jtbe contrary* 

Thomas Fearing, Chairman* 
December 9, 1805." 

The parish then "voted Mr. Richardson to settle in th^e 
"parish in the gospel ministry; there being 111 -votes j$l 
" favour, and 41 against him. The committee, appointed fcp 
" investigate his character, were ordered to inform him of 
" the result of the meeting, and request his answer to the 
<c same. If he accepted the offer from the parish, the com- 
" mittee were instructed to make a contract that should be 
" equally binding on one side as the other. The same ,c@£fe- 

* This statement is not inserted among the documents, as it does not 
respect the merits of the cause* butrelates to a conversation between Da= 
na and a Mr. CaldvreH, in. which they disagree about what is the truth. 



r 20 i 

<* mittee were appointed to receive the document?, lodged 
<* with the clerk for record, and return them to the owners.'* 
They were also continued for supplying the pulpit until fur- 
ther order from the parish. 

At this meeting a vote passed, " that the persons present, 
<c who were twenty-one years of age, and upwards, 
<( and not qualified by law to vote, might express their 
<c minds by a poll on the question of giving him a call. The 
€t result of which was, that there were sixty voters of this 
<€ description in favour of the question, and none against it." 
A protest against the proceedings, signed by fifty persons, wag 
then read, and given up for record. [Document No. 22.] 
The meeting was then dissolved. 

In order to give every influence to obtain the vote, it had 
been for some days urged to the benevolent, that the great 
injury we had done Mr. Richardson's character ought to in- 
duce people to vote in his favour for settlement ; that his re- 
fusal, which was probable, might be an advantage to him 
abroad. Mr. Huse, who was very busy here, gave this also 
as his opinion, and corroborated this sentiment, by BETTING 
that Mr. Richardson's answer would be in the negative; and. 
In order to enhance his great worth, and future prospects for 
the ministry, said that he had refused an invitation front 
Jitchburg, with an handsome offer. 

Many were thus influenced in favour of the vote, who wish- 
ed and expected him to refuse the invitation, but meant to 
assist in giving him an easy and honourable retreat from the 
parish. 

It may be thought, from the manner in which the com- 
mittee called upon " any gentlemen to come forward with. 
« any thing to the contrary," that they wished for an impar- 
tial investigation of his character; but the manner of con- 
ducting the meeting will shew their sincerity, especially to 
those who know that this committee, and a few others, had 
consulted together, and determined the mode of conducting 
it, and had the entire controul to themselves. 

This meeting was opened and conducted with confusion. 
Every person who could be prevailed upon by the friends of 
Mr. Richardson, was invited to attend the meeting, placed 
among the legal voters, and told he had as good a right to 
vote as any other person. The records of the meeting will 
shew this. The meeting, oppressed the first afternoon with 
tlxty or more illegal voters mixed with the legal ones^ and 



( 21 5 

Voting as they and the moderator saw fit, and by a number 
of lads in the gallery, who disturbed by their noise, and oc- 
casionally hissed the speakers on the opposition, led the oppo- 
sers to read a list of illegal voters who were alphabetically 
arranged, and to object to their voting on the mam question. 
This served the purpose of making several act in his favour, 
among those who were called the constitutional voters, by 
the opposition being held up to them as an aristocratic usur- 
pation to deprive them of a just and constitutional right. A 
man of colour happened, from the alphabetical arrangement, 
to be placed within a few of the head in the list : this was 
immediately hissed, and called another reflection on the whole 
number, which affronted many more, and is supposed to be 
the occasion of giving an unanimous vote of all present of this 
description of voters in favour of the call. The committee to 
inform Mr. Richardson of his call, gave in the vote as 171 to 
41, which was also handed by some persons to the Chronicle 
office, whereas the vote stood 111 legal voters to 41. 

At an early hour in this meeting, it was proposed by one 
of the leading friends to Mr. Richardson, that no papers he 
read except the originals should be given up to be disposed of 
as the parish pleased. As it was well known that this was a 
manoeuvre to get those which belonged to the opposition into 
their own hands (perhaps to destroy them) they were told it 
was needless to take the vote, for the opposition commanded 
their own papers, and would choose the time when to give 
them out of their hands. If the parish did not wish to hear 
them on those conditions, they might refuse. If they could 
not get into their possession the original papers, the com- 
mittee and the most active partisans did not so much wish to 
have them read in meeting, as they had seen and knew the 
substance of their contents ; and besides had nothing which 
.went to disprove one of the statements, except Mr. Richard- 
ardson's own denial. 

This they possessed from an answer of his to the docu- 
ments, which had been read to him the day after thanksgiv- 
ing; which they wished to be read in the meeting, but in- 
tended to keep from the examination of the opposers. In this 
stage of the meeting, as the opposers wished for a copy of 
this answer, they offered to give up their papers for record, if 
his answer was ; but the parish saw fit to pass by their for- 
mer vote, and now voted, that this answer, with the docu- 
ments in possession of the opposers^ should be read r without 



-either being given -up, or recorded. Documents Nos. 1, % 
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and this answer or defence, were accordjngr 
)y read. 

. After the parish had heard the report of their committee, 
and the several documents in support of the same, befort 
they had passed the vote of acceptance, the committee were 
^questioned by some of the opposition, whetheV they had no* 
thing else to offer either in writing or verbally ; to which § 
negative answer was given. It was then requested that Mr. 
Hawkes Fearing should be -questioned, whether he had nor- 
thing ; to which he replied in the negative. He was agahf 
asked if he had never received a letter from Westford oa 
the subject. To this he finally replied — Ah ! O yes— 4 had a 
letter, but I did not consider it any thing. It contained some 
compliments to me, but nothing w^orth notice ; I have left it 
gj home. To this it was replied, that he might let the pa- 
rish judge for themselves. That if he would not bring it for? 
ward, as it appeared the rest of the committee did not know 
the contents, a copy of it would be produced, and if not al- 
lowed to be read in meeting, such use would be made of & 
without as should be thought fit. On this he sent home, antf 
got the letter (Document No. 18) which was read, and very 
soon after the report was accepted. 

This may be a fit time to give the reasons why the oppo 
sers withheld a copy of their documents from Mr. Richardson 
and friends, which was thought unreasonable and unjust by 
many ; while they were reproached with falsehood and forv 
gery for keeping them back, and suffered all the disadvantage 
consequent therefrom. Several reasons operated ; among 
others these are some : — Mr. Richardson had been officious 
in hurrying the matter on before a due inquiry had heea 
made, and in his representations of himself had been very in- 
correct. The opposers suspected that he intended, instead of 
producing evidence which would invalidate the facts therein 
stated, to continue his endeavours to explain away their 
force, and that if they kept them back, they should thus dis- 
cover the disposition of the man, and better shew it toothers. 
They yet hoped the committee would go to Dr. Morse an<| 
the other gentlemen, and get themselves the same statements 
which they .had been informed of, and bring forward to the 
parish the result of a free and impartial inquiry, as it woul$ 
have been better received from them, and convinced the par 
rish that Air. Richardson wanted the necessary prudence &H 



[ 23 } 

the minhtry ; which, at this time had never been touched upon 
by the opposers, further than they were constrained by hid 
friends insisting upon it, that that should be the only objee* 
tion. These statements they supposed would have been su£ 
itcient, without 'bringing forward some letters the opposed 
possessed respecting his courtship of Miss Robinson, whioh 
Were known to but few, and never intended for publicity if 
he should go away-*—unwilling to injure him by an exposure. 
Why the committee for inquiring his true character neglected 
doing it, is best answered by themselves.. We also thought 
we could Come forward at last before a regular ecclesiastical 
Council (if they had one) which he and they pretended they 
Were willing for, and that if he could not be settled in that 
manner he would not in any other. In such a council we 
expected a quiet and impartial hearing. 

It will perhaps never be enough lamented, that this com- 
mittee neglected the good of the parish, which was so much 
in their power, and indeed Mr. Richardson's future happiness, 
if he be not more actuated by a little pecuniary advantage, 
than by piety, and the promotion of religion and happiness 
among the people of this place. Five of these gentlemen at 
this time commanded confidence from the parish at large, 
with very few, if any, minds mistrustful of their integrity. 
Therefore if they had inquired into the whole of Mr. Richard* 
son's character, and brought it forward, instead of searching 
only for the fair side of it, and shutting their ears against 
every person who said any thing unfavourable or doubtful 
about him, without knowing their reasons, they would have 
performed their duty and done much good. But instead of 
this, they would not hear not bring forward any thing except 
on one side, saying, it was their duty to collect only what 
was favourable ; and left it to the experience of the parish af- 
ter he should be settled to determine his true character. Per- 
haps Well meaning themselves, some of them did not use 
enough of that prudent jealousy towards others to prevent 
being enthralled in the designs of artful intrigue, and thereby 
became instruments to deceive others. One of them wad 
heard to say, he wondered \ny person could think ill of Mr. 
Richardson. For himself, the more he inquired, the more 
bright his character appeared. Very true, because pains 
Were taken to direct his inquiries to men who had a partial 
interest to answer, and many of thera were pointed out by 
Mr. Richardson himself. 



( 24 J 

It alt the documents, together with his general character, 
Bad been brought before the parish by the committee, then 
they would have been examined by the people dispassionate* 
ly, and judged deliberately, which would have determined 
them to avoid at best a doubtful character, and cautioned 
them not suddenly to lay hands on a stranger. But as all 
on the dark part of his character was brought by the oppo- 
sers, they were read with prejudice and confusion, which 
gave the designing an advantage to represent them as the ef- 
fect of malice, federalism, and his attention to the poor, and 
thus to exert all the power of politics and popular disgust to 
hoodwink the judgment. From this, and only from this 
mode of inquiry, can the report of the committee, and its re- 
sult, be accounted for ; as it is believed that no person can 
travel thirty miles through the county of Middlesex, or 
"wherever he is best known, without hearing two out of 
three, who shall be acquainted with him, on being asked his 
character, answer, We know no good, or you will find him 
out within a year or two ; or give some insinuation that will 
lead the mind to suggest something rotten at bottom. 

The first four sabbaths which Mr. Huse preached here, 
twenty or more families left the meeting, being determin- 
ed not to hear Mr. Richardson or his representative, till 
bis character was cleared up. When Mr. Huse's time had 
expired, Mr. Richardson not being prepared to come himself, 
the committee themselves engaged Mr. Huse longer, as they 
said no other person could be procured to come in the present 
situation of the parish. Part of the opposers returned to hear 
him ; but a part would not until the difficulties should be 
finally settled. Mr. Huse, after a time, making himself more 
of a partisan than became a stranger, occasioned a part of 
those who had returned to hear him, to leave him again. 

The parish being in this state, and many friends growing 
Uneasy, as they disliked Mr. Huse for a preacher, aroused the 
committee and the active part of the friends to think of some 
expedient. Accordingly, after considerable passing and re- 
passing from Charlestown, and communication by letters, 
Mr. Richardson sent a letter to Cpl. Rice (Document No. 19) 
and received in answer No. 20.; Mr. Richardson's answer 
to the parish also was sent about this time, which, from its 
nature, and in order to make some observations on it, and to 
shew how exactly he adhered to its professions, though 
done after prayerful deliberation, shall here be inserted* 



f 25 ) 

To the Inhabitants of the North Parish in Hingham, 

Brethren and Friends, 

Whereas it has pleased the Great Head of the Church and 
Glorious Author of Religion, in his wise and unerring provi- 
dence, to leave this parish destitute of a gospel minister, and 
to put it into the hearts of so great a proportion of this people 
to invite me to settle with them in that sacred office and re- 
lation : and whereas this invitation has been duly and re- 
spectfully presented to me by the committee appointed for 
the purpose : I most cheerfully, in firm presence of mind, pre- 
sent you this address in reply. That you, my brethren and 
friends, have honoured me with this result after the most 
thorough and scrupulous attention to my character and quali- 
fications, is a consideration that affords me the fullest confi- 
dence in your friendship and fidelity. Would to God that all 
Concerned in this event were of one heart, and of one mind, 
for this to me would be an unspeakable joy. The various 
events which have taken place relative to this subject, have 
made deep, very deep impressions on my mind. These im- 
pressions lead me to acknowledge the distinguishing hand of 
Providence in thus overruling events. On my first engagement 
to preach to this people, no idea 'was entertained by me of 
feeing considered a candidate for settlement. When the se- 
cond application was made, the purpose was understood $ 
but such things had already transpired relative to my charac- 
ter, as forbid me to decline, since my name must then have 
suffered without possibility of a vindication. Even now no 
alternative remains for me in duty, whatever has been my 
inclination, but to evince to the minds of those who are dis- 
satisfied respecting my moral character, that they have the 
misfortune to be misinformed. But I have not a wish that 
their opinion should rest solely on my own word. I have 
ever been cheerfully willing to submit my character to the 
most thorough investigation. I now most solicitously antici- 
pate the pleasure of appearing, face to face y with my accu- 
sers, before an impartial council. 

Looking forward to that event inspires my heart with a 
hope, that all misunderstandings and differences will be ad- 
justed, that harmony may then be restored, and peace be 
multiplied to the people of this parish. 

With such sentiments and views, I have solemnly and 
prayerfully deliberated on the subject before you, and thus 
teust I am duly prepared to reply to your invitation. 

D 



r as 3 

I now cheerfully and cordially accept \c\w invitation t'd 
settle as your gospel minister, with a readiness of mind fully 
to comply with all the conditions of the same. 

This I do in a reliance on the aid and support of divine 
grace, and under a humiliating sense of liability to the failings 
and imperfections incident to human nature. 

Brethren and Friends, In this interesting and solemn un- 
dertaking 1 shall need your kind aid, and I humbly ask your 
united prayers, that, should the Holy Author of Religion sec 
fit to consecrate me to his service among you, as a minister 
of Jesus Christ, he would be pleased to endow his un- 
worthy servant with all the gifts and graces requisite to 
adorn his holy profession ; that all this people may be of the 
same mind one toward another, united in the bonds of chari- 
ty, and supported by the blessed consolations of the gospel, 
until ye are " built up in the most holy faith ;" and so 
c( keeping yourselves in the love of God," a looking for the 
" mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." 

My Christian Brethren and Friends, Be assured that I re- 
main, with sentiments of high respect and unfeigned love, 
Your humble servant, 
Charlestons Jan. 6, 1806. Joseph Richardson. 

Copies of this answer were taken, and distributed among 
the friends some time before it was communicated to the pa- 
rish, and word was given out that he would not preach any 
more until regularly ordained. In this answer the reader 
perceives expressions of great piet}', an ardent desire to satis- 
fy the opposers by meeting his accusers face to face before 
an impartial council, a love of order, and a wish to restore 
harmony to the parish. 

Can it be supposed, after reading this answer, that any but 
the jaundiced mind of opposition would construe it into studi- 
ed hypocrisy, aud a snare to catch the credulous, and enslave 
the consciences of the opposition to receive him as their gos- 
pel minister ? But what will be said when it is known, that 
at this very time he was busily engaged, with some of his 
friends, in inquiring how he might be imposed on the parish 
without a call from the church of Christ in this place ; know- 
ing the church had met, and protested against the irregular 
proceedings of the congregation ? [See Document No. 23.] 
that after being informed by ministers it would be ecclesiasti- 
cally irregular, they then consulted law characters to know 



[ 27 3 

how it could be effected constitutionally ? and that at the 
same time they were planning a mode of inquiry into his 
moral character? He also expresses his satisfaction, "that 
<* after the m >st thorough and scrupulous attention to his 
* character and qualincafeons, they had formed this result;" 
when he knew that nothing in all the evidence in support of 
his character had gone directly in answer to the facts alledg- 
ed against him (which may be seen in the documents) except 
what he himself had said m the beforenamed letter of defence, 
which contained so much inconsistency and prevarication, 
that it was kept from the critical examination of the oppo- 
ses, and only used to confirm his friends, as was afterwards 
said, and then returned to him again ; lest it might in future 
fee called for, in testimony against the truth of it. Therefore 
it can only be given generally, as taken from memory after 
a careful reading of it. [Document No. 49.] 

Mr. Huse continued to preach until the parish generally be- 
came so uneasy that nothing further was done, that at length 
Mr. Richardson came to Hingham to fix on the expected in- 
vestigation, and the best mode to conduct it, in order to de- 
ceive the people at large, and to prevent the opposition from 
coming forward, and thus turn it to their disadvantage. 

A number of friends therefore met him, and agreed upon a 
plan, which was left to them to carry into effect, at a parish 
meeting to be called for the purpose ; and he returned to 
Charlestown. In the interim, particular agents were tarn* 
pering with the opposition separately, in order to divide them 
respecting the number of the council, and the method of 
choosing them, and to deceive them with regard to the ge- 
neral plan which was to be pursued at the meeting. A large 
number of subscribers were procured to the petition of this 
meeting, that they might become interested to support it, 

Feb. 10, 1806, a parish meeting was holden to see if it 
was the mind of the parish to unite with Mr. Joseph Richard* 
son in calling an ecclesiastical council to investigate his mo- 
ral character. Mr. Jacob Leavitt was chosen moderator, 
and the following votes passed : 

1 st. " That it is the mind of the parish to unite with Mr. 
■« Joseph Richardson in calling an ecclesiastical council to in- 
" yesfigate his moral character. 

2d. " That the council consist of five, and that the parish 
i( choose three of the council, and Mr. Richardson two of 
i f them, to investigate his mora} character. 



f 28 ] 

u On a motion made to see if the parish would reconsider 
€t their former vote, and allow those who are in the opposi- 
• tion to Mr. Richardson to choose half the council, it passed 
" in the negative. 

" Voted, That the parish choose their three of the council 
« by written votes, and the names of the three whom they 
c * choose be inserted in each ticket. 

" The moderator declared there were for Dr. Cummings, 
« for the Rev. Mr. Bentley, and for the Rev. Mr. Foster, of 
" Littleton, each of them ninety -four votes, and not any for 
< ( any other person. 

« Voted, That the present committee for supplying the desk 
** be a committee to request the attendance of said council, at 
** such time and place as they shall think proper, and to 
c< pro /ide accommodations for the same, and give seasonable 
€c notice thereof to all parties concerned. Also, in case 
<( of failure of any of said council, that said committee be em- 
H powered to appoint a substitute, or be authorised to request 
€t the procedure of the council, though the whole number be 
u not assembled. 

" Voted, That said committee call on the parish committee 
"for orders on the treasury for money to defray the cost of 
'? the investigating council." 

The meeting was then dissolved. 

It was inquired in this meeting whether the parish would 
also provide for the expenses of the opposition to procure 
their evidences, as it had been expressed by some of the 
friends that they would be required in person : but no answer 
was obtained. 

Soon after the meeting was opened, it was proposed to the 
parish, that they should allow the opposition to choose one 
half of this council ; there being, as the opposition thought, 
only two sides to the question, Mr. Richardson and his friends 
making one, and his opposers the other. The committee, 
and several of the friends, either pretended, or did think, 
there were three. Two or three of them spoke otherwise ; 
but it was overruled, and they chose the whole without a ne- 
gative, agreeable to the list prepared by them and Mr. Rich- 
ardson when he was at Hingham. 

We here observed that our request had been just and rea- 
sonable. If they would not grant it we must put up with it. 
They must also know they had no power to compel us to ap- 
pear, and that we should not. If they met the council by 



I 29 ] 

themselves, and the council consisted of good and wise men, 
they would not enter into the subject; therefore it would be 
of no use. This availed nothing ; because a different proce- 
dure would have been contrary to the previous agreement be- 
tween the committee and Mr. Richardson. 

The three men chosen by the parish were unknown to us 
generally. Parson Bentley's name we had seen in the pa- 
pers as a politician, but not as a divine. Whom Mr. Richard- 
son would choose, we could obtain no information at present j 
whether they were to come from this state or Rhode-Island. 
After some days it was reported he would choose Dr. Os- 
good, and a Mr. Stone. In this state of ignorance were we 
left respecting the council — whether Poctors Cummings 
and Osgood would be able to attend, by reason of the incle- 
ment season, or who would be substituted for them ; they be- 
ing the only persons known by us. We were also much sur- 
prised when told that this council, so called, would be only a 
reference of ministers, or whatever else the committee should 
substitute, and would meet at Boston or Charlestown. 

The Monday evening preceding, one week before the coun- 
cil met, Dea. William Cushing, as clerk of the church, and 
Mr. Thomas Loring, as one of the opposition in the congre- 
gation, were furnished each with a notification, signed by 
Thomas Fearing, chairman of the committee, that the coun- 
cil would meet in Charlestown [See Document No. 24] where 
any person choosing might appear. Thus only one week 
was given, if they had been disposed, to notify and warn a 
meeting of about sixty persons, to determine a plan, make ar- 
rangements to appear, and procure their evidences, who 
who were in different places thirty or forty miles distant 
from ourselves and each other. 

As we did not recognise their council, either as a regular, 
civil, or ecclesiastical body; but as an ex-parte something, or 
any thing, we considered that we hud nothing to do ; only,, 
as they had been invited in the name of the parish, and 
might be ignorant of the manner of their election, and the 
purpose for which they were chosen, we would notice them 
as gentlemen. Consequently Mr. Abner Lincoln was appoint- 
ed to wait on them, and present a remonstrance (Document 
No. 25) disavowing their authority. 

The gentlemen met at Mr. Seaton's, in Charlestown, agree- 
able to request, Feb. 25, 1806, After hearing Mr. Richard- 
ion and friends, and reading the documents delivered by Mr. 



[ so ] 

Lincq!n, they concluded, as they were not invested with any 
regular power, but cnly an assembly of ministers, to separate 
again afti r riving some friendly advice, and addressing a 
letter • : each parly. [Document No. 29.] Tims ended this 
first impartial council; for which so much religious desire 
had been expressed by Mr. Richardson in his answer to the 
parish, in order to satisfy his opposers that they had been mis* 
informed— called at a place so distant as necessarily to pre- 
vent most of them from attending to hear for themselves, 
instead of being at Hingham, where such attendance would 
have been convenient, and consisting of men whom the op- 
posers knew, and in whose election they had had some voice. 
This transaction in some measure answered the purpose of 
Mr. Richardson and friends. They returned, claiming the 
triumph of going, and challenging the opposers to come for- 
ward, and that none durst. They reported, that even Dr. 
Morse, though repeatedly requested, refused to state any 
thing he knew against his character. It is true Mr. Richard- 
son (having sagacity to see that the gentlemen had no busi- 
ness with the matter, and of consequence would not act, and 
also that we had requested those, whom we expected to call 
before a regular council, not to answer any calls from this bo- 
dy in our behalf) came forward with the effrontery and as- 
surance of innocence, pressing the gentlemen to proceed, and 
affirming, that as a Christian he had a right to, and did de- 
mand his accusers to come forward, and give him a chance 
to defend himself. It is said he thus continued, till one of 
the venerable gentlemen replied, "Stop, stop, my young 
cc friend, and let me set you right. You ought, as a Chris- 
" tian, yourself to go and call a mutual ecclesiastical council, 
<( and then as Christians your accusers ought to meet you: 
«* but in this they have no business. You might as well 
« have taken four or five of your neighbours, or any other 
Cf persons, and then have called upon them as you now do 
rt upon us. We are no more than they would be. Go home 
" and do this. If they then refuse, it will be unchristianlike. 1 ' 
Nothing of this however was said by Mr. Richardson and 
friends on their return. Even the written advice was with 
reluctance shewn, and every method was used to cast blame 
on the opposers for not attending and answering before so 
reasonable a council of good men, after all the trouble and 
expense to give satisfaction. It was further said by them, 
that the opposers never wished or dared to meet Mj:. Rich- 



V. ; .-.' \ .\ 


icntfW 


cut: t!x 


r- fort 


leeblon a 


txd di&- 


n thi< TO 


annei*) 


] tp pe'dt 


ion ft* 


» i " > .* , w 


i« sting 


nd the w 


arrant 



Lixi on on equal grounds,* an 1 thai the contra}:; 
fry them only to cause delay and cmbarfassi] 
now was the time for his friends to act with 
p: ten. 

Tile minds cf the people being inflamed 
While the passions were up they were borne 
a const i'utional meeting, as it was palled. 
Was petitioned for by forty or fifty persons, s 
came out, instead of the usual form, for "ail persons of twen- 
** ty-oiie years and upwards, qualified by the constitution to 
** choose and contract for a public teacher of religion," &c.» 
to meet on March 8, 1806. 

The situation the parish was now in, from the proceedings 
at Charlestown, and other causes, became alarming to some 
discerning and moderate men* who liked Mr. Richardson as 
'] preacher, but disapproved of what they supposed !o be the 
con tuct of his friends. These became interested in rcpre- 
sensing the necessity to relax from so much violence, and to 
attempt an interview and coalition of parties ; that otherwise 
the parish would be broken up. This interference led th« 
committee to think some measure must be taken to appear 
their minds: especially Mr. Ezra Lincoln, one of the com- 
mittee, at this time discovered some reluctance to go alt 



lengths with them. Accordingly one or two of the commit* 
tee proposed a meeting of an equal number on each side to 
talk amicably upon the subject, and see if some plan could 
not be adjusted, and brought forward to the parish to be 
adopted at their next meeting. This was readily fallen in 
with by the opposers, who chose seven persons to meet an 
equal number of the friends to Mr. Richardson. It was 
agreed to meet at an early hour on Wednesday, the 5th in- 
stant, at Capt. Andrews's house; but it was between seven 
•and eight o'clock before the friends all came; as Mr. Rich- 
ardson arrived in town this afternoon, and some of them had 
their respects to pay him, and probably to consult on the bu- 
siness of the evening. At last the parish committee appeared 
in behalf of the friends. 

This evening there was also a caucus of the friends, con- 
ducted by some agents of the committee; the result cj 

* N ■thing' could be more untrue, as the opposition never wished, or 
asked for mere than an impartial council to, proy©- their charges 'b$ili . , 
in the pr«5enc*of Uie wkoje parish. 



I 32 ] 

which was communicated the next evening to the joint 
committee. 

The gentlemen of the joint committee agreed, that it was 
best to have a mutual council called : but on the vote being 
put whether the opposers should choose one half, and Mr, 
Richardson and friends the other, or either he or they, as 
they might agree, they divided in opinion. Mr. H. Fearing 
said he did not conceive any thing, unless an unanimous 
vote, would be binding on the individuals to support it in 
meeting, and that he considered there were three sides,, and 
should adhere thereto. Mr. Ezra Lincoln said he conceived 
there were but two parties, and that Mr. Richardson had 
said he was willing for himself that the opposition should 
choose half, and that he believed he would now consent to it. 
On this it was proposed, as Mr. Richardson was nigh, to 
send to him, and know from himself. Two gentlemen pro- 
posed to go ; but Messrs. Leavitt and H. Fearing particular- 
ly objected, and proposed to adjourn till next evening. They 
said they w r ould call on him that evening or next morning, 
time enough for his mind to be known and communicated 
to his friends to direct them and gain a general sentiment. 
Here a suspicion was first excited, that, instead of being in- 
vited to meet in order to suggest some method to unite the 
parties > which should be brought forward to the parish, they 
were to hear and adopt a plan to be prepared by some other 
body. The next evening, on inquiring the result of the in- 
terview with Mr. Richardson, it was said he submitted the 
subject to the direction of his friends. Here it was observed, 
if he gave it up to them, it then reduced it to two parts only, 
and if they could now agree upon a number of churches 
among themselves to be proposed to the parish, it was no 
matter which was considered to be chosen by one party, or 
which by the other. They would be the choice of both. A 
method to carry this design into effect was then suggested. 
But Mr. H. Fearing replied, they might as w^ll come to the 
point at once, and pulled out a paper from his pocket, observ- 
ing it was the result of a meeting of seventy or more per- 
sons,* convened for the purpose the last evening ; and asked 
leave to read it. The substance of this paper was, that seven 

* These were petitioners for the constitutional meeting", and had 
agreed to stand by each other and by Mr. Richardson, if he would ac- 
cept their invitation as a teacher of religion, till such time as the .opposi^ 
tion should conform to these terms* 



[ 33 ] 

Congregational ministers be chosen in the following manner, 
tiz. two by the opposers, two by the friends, and tw r o by Mr. 
Richardson, the seventh by Mr. Richardson and the opposers : 
they to be an ecclesiastical reference to hear the parties, and if 
they should not determine that he was an unsuitable man in his 
moral character for a gospel minister, then the opposers should 
withdraw their opposision ; but if they should determine that 
he was an unsuitable man, then his friends would give him 
up. On this he was asked, whether these were the best and 
only terms which could be offered us. He answered, Yes. 
It was replied, that it was understood, this meeting was in* 
tended to agree on a plan to be proposed to the parish ; but 
if it was to adopt one provided by some other body of men, 
as the intent had been to meet and part in harmony, they 
might as well drop the subject, and converse on indifferent 
topics. Thus ended the conference. 

The next evening the opposers generally met, and heard 
the result from the gentlemen who had been appointed to 
converse with the committee. Being sensible the proposition 
for an interview had been made only to draw off our atten- 
tion from any plan of our own, w"e concluded, that the gen- 
tlemen had done right in not yielding the privilege of choos- 
ing one half of the council. We now appointed three of our 
number to wait on Mr. Richardson the morning before the 
meeting, and to know of him in writing, whether he would 
consent for the opposition to choose one half of the council, 
and himself the other. To which he replied, if his friends 
were willing, he was. It was then remarked, that as he of- 
fered himself as a minister to the whole parish, and as his 
character was exceptionable to a part, he ought not, if inno- 
cent, to let any man or men prevent him from setting it right 
in the minds of that part, and the world. He replied, that if he 
left his friends, he might as well leave the parish at once. 
It was remarked to him, that the disguise was too thin to hide 
the intention, and if that was his case he had better quit 
the parish ; for it was desirable for a man to settle in only 
from its numbers and habitual harmony. If that was broken, 
as it would be, the case would be greatly altered. He was 
told also, that, as he had said he would not preach among us 
again till regularly ordained, it was hoped this breach of 
promise would not be to be added to the catalogue of com- 
plaints ; but he intimated that he thought this of little conse- 
quence'. E 



[ 34 ] 

The constitutional meeting was holden March 8th, 1806, 
for the following purposes : 

" 1st. To choose a moderator. 

" 2d. To see if the parish will contract with Mr. Joseph 
u Richardson as their public teacher of religion, until such time 
" as he shall be ordained over the church and congregation 
" as a gospel minister. Also, to see what compensation they 
*' will make him for his services, and act on any thing relative 
M. thereto. 

" 3d. To see whether the parish will agree that a mutual 
u ecclesiastical council should be called, agreeably to the re- 
(i commendation of the ministers assembled at Charlestown, 
u to convene in the north parish meeting-house in Hing- 
« ham." 

It will be noticed here, that this warrant was issued at first 
by the friends, with the two first articles only, and that the 
third was inserted at the request of the opposition. 

" Mr. Jacob Leavitt was chosen moderator. 

" A motion was then made to pass to the third article in 
C( the warrant, and it passed in the negative. 

" The second article in the warrant was then taken up. 
u It was voted that the parish contract with Mr. Joseph Rich' 
cs ardson as their public teacher of religion, till such time as 
" he shall be ordained over the church and congregation as a 
" gospel minister, with this proviso : whenever the opposers 
u wish to call a reference of seven gospel ministers on these 
" conditions, viz. the opposition two, the friends two, and Mr. 
" Richardson two, and Mr. Richardson and his opposers the 
« seventh, to investigate his moral character ; if in their 
" opinion his moral character is not such as to disqualify him 
4( from being a minister of the gospel, then the opposers shall 
<f withdraw their opposition ; but if, on the other hand, the re- 
" ference shall determine that his moral character is such as 
ff to disqualify him for being a minister of the gospel, then 

" the above contract be null and void."* Previous to 

the foregoing vote being passed, a motion was made to 
to amend it, by permitting the opposition to choose one half 

* This vote was prepared and brought to meeting-, agreeably to the de- 
termination of the seventy ; and it will be observed, that it was to impose 
a duty upon the council to be called, which no men could be supposed 
willing to 'undertake ; that is, instead of determining on the truth of the 
charges -gainst Mr. Richardson, either positively to denounce his mora! 
character, or virtually to impose him on the parish as their minister. 



[ 85 ] 

the reference therein mentioned, and it passed in the nega- 
tive. 

It was afterwards voted, " That the present committee 
" for supplying the desk be a, committee to inform Mr. Rich- 
« ardson the result of this meeting, and if he should agree to 
« the same, that they, or the major part of the same, con- 
iC tract with him on the same terms, as respects his salary, 
i( and on the same condition, as was voted and agreed on 
" by the parish when they gave him an invitation to settle 
u with us as a gospel minister." In this meeting it was ar- 
gued by the opposers, in support of the third article, that, al- 
though Mr. Richardson ought to submit himself to a regular 
ecclesiastical council, mutually chosen to take up all matters 
between him and them, and to determine how far it would 
be expedient and productive of morality and piety, for him to 
settle here under existing circumstances ; yet, to bring the 
dispute to a point, and put an end to it, they would on their 
part rest it on his moral character only, provided a suitable 
number, say nine, or eleven, compose the reference. If, in 
the opinion of such a council, no objections existed to his mor 
ral character sufficient to disqualify him for a gospel mi- 
nister, they would withdraw any further objections to his set- 
tlement, reserving only the right to judge for themselves 
when they could profit by his preaching. In support of the 
reasonableness of a large number for the reference, it was 
observed, if what Mr. Richardson said of his innocence was 
just, he could be in no danger from numbers of good men ; 
but that the opposers might be dissatisfied by a small number ; 
because he might choose partial men, or, if not, a small num- 
ber would not be so willing to decide on so important a subject 
as a larger. That the reference should be fairly and equita^ 
bly elected, it was proposed to appoint a committee on each 
side to confer together and with Mr. Richardson, and to elect 
them by each offering a list of ten churches, from which the 
other might choose live; or any other way which might 
then be devised. Here Mr. Ezra Lincoln observed, that Mr. 
Richardson himself had said, he was willing the opposers 
should choose half the reference, and he thought his friends 
would do him more hurt than his opposers had ever done if 
they refused it. On this Mr. H. Fearing said, he knew Mr. 
Richardson's mind; and pulled a paper from his pocket, 
which was given him just before meeting (but after the oppo- 
sers had waited upon him in vain for one) in which he expres* 



( 36 ] 

ses himself in this equivocal manner ; that being applied to. 
for his sentiments on the choice of the reference, he should 
€€ leave it to be determined by the parties." And well he 
might, as it was undoubtedly understood by him, Mr. Fear- 
ing, and others, how the matter was to be managed for the 
contract. The parish were also reminded of Mr. Richard- 
son's answer to them, where he declares his readiness " to 
**' meet his accusers face to face, in order to satisfy them 
" they had been misinformed." 

When the second article was taken up, the parish were 
desired to separate and amend the proposition, and to hire him 
for some given time, and not to involve themselves in a diffi- 
culty which it would be too late to prevent hereafter, and of 
which they might have cause to repent. 

As every thing had been prepared before, nothing was re- 
garded that was offered by the opposers, and only a part of 
it heard by the meeting, owing to the confusion and passion 
which prevailed. The business of this constitutional meeting 
being finished, it was dissolved, after a written protest (Docu- 
ment No. 26) was made against the proceedings of the meet- 
ing, and a verbal one against the legality of it. 

Left thus circumstanced, the opposers called a meeting, 
and concluded to provide preaching at their own expense, to 
be performed, if agreeable to the parish, at the meeting-house, 
before and after the usual hours of the other public worship. 
If that was refused them, they determined to meet in the 
most convenient place they could procure. Our annual pa- 
rish meeting being the next week, it was inquired whether 
the parish would approve of the opposition convening at their 
house before and after them ; but it was refused, as may be 
seen by Document No. 30. 

The Sunday after the contract, March 9th, Messrs. Rich- 
ardson and Huse performed the service of the day. Mr. Huse 
opened it with David's psalm of triumph over his enemies, 
which it was said was opened for him by Mr. Richardson, 
who came forward himself in the afternoon, with a text from 
2 Corinthians, v. 20. 

The second Sunday the opposers procured a minister to 
preach in the Derby Academy. Mr. Richardson, hearing this 
was to take place, it is said, replied, that if we could get a 
man to preach in that dancing hail to so few in number, he 
thought he might go with boldness to his meeting house, and 
that he would have something to the purpose, Accordingly 



[ 37 J 

he did, in a discourse reflecting oil the petty gentry, &c. 
as he called them. Text, Romans i. 16. 

When some of the friends came to reflect how they had 
hecn taken in at their constitutional meeting ; that there was 
no probability the opposers would ever consent to such une- 
qual terms ; and that, however great the defection might be- 
come, they were involved in a dilemma by the contract (it 
being of a civil nature) with the terms of which they must 
comply, while two friends remained, or ordain him, and then 
contrive to dismiss him ; they were uneasy ; and several of 
the church were also dissatisfied, that none of the ordinances 
were performed, as no minister had been prevailed on to ex- 
change with him, Or to preach here since the first month of 
Mr. Huse's preaching in this place. This caused an expedient 
to be made use of through the medium of his friends in the 
church. They now called a meeting of the church, to see if 
the members could not be prevailed on to have a communion 
at the meeting house, and meet once more all together be- 
fore they parted. This proposal was objected to by the oppos- 
ers, on the ground that they had been refused a place in the 
house to worship, when unoccupied ; and as they could not 
hear Mr. Richardson themselves, they could not consistently 
assist to introduce him to the desk of any other person, 
especially in the divided and disorderly state of the parish. 
However, by the aid of one member, who had a little inter* 
vai from insanity ; one who had held himself from commu- 
nion for some years ; and one or two who had before de- 
termined they never would take any public part, but were 
prevailed upon to attend meeting; a vote was obtained, by 
a majority of one member; there being twenty-one for, and 
twenty against the measure. The meeting was then dissolv- 
ed, without fixing any time for the communion. 

The uneasiness still increasing, some who had heretofore 
been his hearers, now began either to stay at home, or to at* 
tend other meetings. This again awakened his adherents to 
some new expedient; as they saw the first opposers were 
firm in their resolution to apply for a division of the parish, 
rather than to sit down under such a man, and that others 
would soon join them if they remained in this situation. They 
therefore agreed for Mr. Richardson to send to the opposers 
a proposition, directed to Gen. B. Lincoln (Document No. 27) 
expecting by this to make it appear that they and he were 
willing to meet on fair and equal grounds; but the opposers 



[ 38 | 

knew tco well by their proceedings at Charlestown, and 
other measures which they had taken, that if they could get 
them. to comply with the small number of five, they had fix- 
ed it so as to be sure of an equilibrium, if not a turning vote, 
hy the choice of a moderator, who was to be chosen by the 
parties. Mr. Richardson was answered to this by Document 
No. 28 ; to which he replied, Document No. 31 : this wag 
answered by Document No. 32. Matters remained in this 
situation about a week or ten days; during which time the 
friends were busy in shewing how fair they had been in their 
offers, and that the opposers refused to meet them. 

The parish being in such a situation, many supposed that 
there never could be an union and happiness again, as the 
friends frequently declared they never would agree in any 
Other man, if they had not him. 

The opposers now drew a petition for a meeting, which 
was so just and reasonable that many who were fond of 
Mr. Richardson as a preacher were induced to sign it. Mr. 
Richardson, foreseeing by this that something must be done, 
and as he now principally directed matters, took the occasion 
to give the parish a seasonable hint of Abraham's and Lot's 
situation, when Abraham advised a separation ; and ushered 
it in from the words of Solomon, chosen as a text; that "A 
" word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of sil- 
(C ver :" and a report was given abroad, that he would take 
up with a less sum than his contract, if the parish should di- 
vide. 

The petition ran thus, viz. for a meeting to be called at the 
north meeting-house in Hingham, on May 17th, 1806, for 
the following purposes : 

1. "To choose a moderator. 

2. u To see if the parish will propose to Mr. Joseph Rich- 
(£ ardson, to agree with his Opposers in calling a reference of 
(< eleven, or thirteen, congregational ministers, one of whom 
ci to be agreed on between him and his opposers, the others 
<c to be chosen one half by him, the other half by them, to in- 
« quire into his moral character, and on the following condi- 
" tions : That after hearing all the allegations that shall be 
<e brought before them, against his character and conduct, to- 
<{ gether with the evidences in support of the same, and his 
" defence, if they should then give it as their opinion, that he 
£< is a man of good moral character, and true piety, and as 
■" such do recommend him 'as really suitable for a gospel mi- 



w nister ; then the opposers shall withdraw their opposition t 
** but if they should not so recommend him, then all connex- 
66 ion between him and the parish shall cease. And the 
" aforesaid reference shall assemble at the meeting-house in 
«* this parish. And all the expenses attending the same, with 
K the evidences on both sides of the question, shall be borne 
CT by the parish." 

Z. " If the parish should not agree to the foregoing proper 
<c sition, to see if the parish will give their assent that the op- 
c * posers be set off into a separate parish or society, by such 
" an act as the legislature shall think proper to grant, and as 
ts is usual in like corporations." 

His friends, finding the petition was given to the parish 
committee for a warrant, procured the insertion of the fol- 
lowing, as had been agreed on in caucus, viz. 

4th. " To see if the parish will unite with Mr. Joseph 
" Richardson in proposing to hjs opposers a reference of five 
" congregational ministers ; to be chosen in the following 
u manner : one to be agreed on by the parties,* and two to 
u be chosen by the friends, and two by the opposers, of Mr* 
r* Richardson. That no other question be submitted to the 
* consideration of said reference than this : Whether his mo- 
*' ral character be found by investigation really such as to dis- 
" qualify him or render him an unsuitable person for a gospel 
ie minister. That the parties obligate themselves to abide by 
" the result of said reference. Should the reference deter* 
" mine his moral character to be such as to disqualify him for 
u a gospel minister, then are all his friends obliged to relin- 
u quish him ; if, on the other hand, the reference determine 
" his moral character and conduct in life to be such as not to 
" disqualify him for the office, then are all his opposers bound 
u to relinquish all opposition to his settlement as the gospel 
w minister of this parish ; that the expenses be borne by the 
■** parties: — and act thereon." 

The meeting being opened, it was (C Voted, 1. To choose 
" Jacob Leavitt moderator. 2. Not to act on the second ar- 
u tide. 3. To pass over the third article for the present, and 
<£ take up the fourth. 4. That the parish agree with Mr. Jo- 
f* seph Richardson, as expressed in the fourth article* 5. That 

* By this they intended to secure the moderator, being- sure of the pa- 
rish and Mr. Richardson voting- for the same person ; and as there 
Would be. three parties, two would be against the opposers' one yot«. 



[ 40 ] 

€C the parish give their assent, as stated in the third article.** 
The meeting was then dissolved. 

In this meeting it was immediately proposed by the friends, 
not to act on the second article ; but was objected to by the 
opposition, without any effect, though urged by former ar- 
guments, and the safety of both by a large number on the re- 
ference. 

- On the third article being read, it was also proposed by 
the friends not to act on that; but the opposers argued, if they 
would not consent to the advice of their ministers, who met 
at Charlestown for a mutual ecclesiastical council, nor yet to 
a reference of a suitable number of congregational ministers^ 
it was but reasonable, as Christians, that they consent to our 
being set off as a separate parish ; that then they might pro- 
ceed to ordain him, and each party enjoy religious worship in 
& separate and peaceful manner. One of their principal 
speakers replied, that there was no religion about it; for his 
Own part he confessed, that he had acted for six « months 
without it, and that he was bold to say, if ever he was to 
have any, it must all come anew. On this they concluded 
to pass it over for the present, and to proceed to the fourth 
article, which the friends had put into the warrant. 

This article being accepted by a majority, and proposals 
made for choosing a committee to carry it into effect, as 
the former meeting at Charlestown was not forgotten, some 
inquiry was made where it was expected this reference would 
meet, he. ; but as no satisfactory answer was obtained, CoU 
Rice observed, that it was needless to spend time in this 
way ; that if those were the only terms they meant to give 
the opposition, they might as well stop here ; that they were 
different from what Mr. Richardson himself had expressed 
in his answer of acceptance to the parish to be their gospel 
minister, which answer he begged leave to read an extract 
from. After he had read it, and made some observations 
upon it, the parish saw fit to return to the third article ; and, 
agreeable to the hint given by Mr. Richardson in his sermon, 
voted their assent to the opposition being set off as a separate 
parish. 

Soon after the last church meeting, one of the members, a 
friend to Mr. Richardson, died very suddenly ; which left the 
number equally divided ; but, in order to obtain a majority, 
several of the congregation as suddenly determined to join it. 



[ 41 ] 

The deacons being in the opposition, and having the table 
furniture in their possession, the opposers called a meeting of 
the whole church ; but Mr. Richardson's friends, fearing they 
should now be the minority, refused to attend, as they ex- 
pected soon to be the majority, whenever they could get an 
ordained minister to come and perform the services, which 
Mr. Richardson encouraged them his brother Bentley would 
do the next Sunday. 

V % The opposers in the church met at the north meeting-house, 
June 7, 1806, agreeable to the warning; and voted that the 
table furniture of the church should be equally divided be- 
tween the adherents of Mr. Richardson and his opponents ; 
and further, that the deacons be authorised to lend to the ad- 
herents of Mr. Richardson any part of said furniture more 
than one half, they giving their receipt for the same. 

Mr. Bentley came, according to expectation, and (to use 
an irreverent expression said to have been applied to the oc- 
casion) chucked* eight males and as many females into the 
church, making out a full majority for any future purpose ; 
and gave, it is said, his opinion, that they might now pro- 
ceed as they saw fit, without any regard to the minority, as 
they had taken themselves off. 

-He then went on to the southward the ensuing week, to 
procure, as was supposed, his men for the intended ordina- 
tion, 

The friends of Mr. Richardson, now feeling their strength 
in the church, agreed on a meeting to be holclen June 19, in 
the north meeting-house, in order to see if the church would 
renew their concurrence with the parish in calling Mr. Rich- 
ardson, as obtained by private signatures. The opposers, hear- 
ing of this meeting, went to it ; but there was an objection 
made to their acting on this occasion. Mr. Isaac Cushing 
said, that he had been informed by a person on whose judg- 
ment he could depend [probably Mr. Bentley] that they had 
no right to act. In reply to him it was observed, that mem- 
bers once admitted into a church, were considered as be- 
longing to it until they were regularly transferred to another, 
or excommunicated. If this was correct, as there had been 
no transfer of those members, it was requested a vote might 

* Robison mentions an order of the Ilhtminati, that bad arrived to that 
state of perfectibility, as to display the table of ear Lord and Sariowr to 
turn it intfc ridicule- F 



[ 42 ] 

fee taken to know whether they were considered as excom- 
municated. This the moderator did not choose to notice ; 
and they were suffered to tarry in the meeting-house. 

The church proceeded as though the minority had nothing 
to do with them. Instead of the eldest deacon's presiding, 
as is usual, they chose Thomas Fearing moderator, and Isaac 
Cushing clerk, for the present meeting, though the standing 
clerk was present. They then passed the following votes : 

" Voted, to renew their concurrence with the parish in 
€€ calling Mr. Joseph Richardson to be their gospel minister, 
*' as obtained by signatures.* 

" Voted, to call a council to ordain him. 

*' Voted, to send to seven churches. 

" Voted, that Mr. Richardson choose three of the council. 

(( Voted, that Seth Lincoln inform Mr. Richardson, that he 
" has the liberty of choosing three of the council. 

•* Voted, to choose a committee of three to write to the 
*' council, viz. Thomas Fearing, Isaac Cushing and Seth Lin- 
« coin. 

" Voted, that the ordination be on July 2, 1806." 

The churches agreed to be sent to, though a part of them 
were ostensibly chosen by the church, were all, it is presum- 
ed, pointed out by Mr. Bentiey and Mr. Richardson, as they 
were brought ready prepared to the meeting ; and the friends 
themselves declared in the meeting that they did not know 
the men. The opposers observed, that they wished for men 
with whom they were acquainted; but that they knew 
nothing of the characters of those who had been designat- 
ed, excepting that of Mr. Bentiey, who in this particular 
case had already given his opinion, and therefore could not 
be thought to be impartial. These suggestions were however 

* This alludes to the first church meeting being called, when they pro- 
tested against the doi.igs ot the parish, at which time the church consist- 
ed of forty-seven male members, including Mr. J. Eeal, who had partook 
in the church nearly forty years, and in some isntauces acted in their af- 
fairs, but was never regularly transferred from his own. Five of the whole 
number, by reason of age and otherwise, were unable, and probably some 
always would be, to attend any meeting; and there were three others that 
refused to take any part in the matter. Before this meeting, individuals, 
friends to Mr. llicbardson, went among them to obtain signatures in hi* 
behalf, giving as a reason to some, that it was the only method to keep 
peace in4f»e parish ; but finding they should fall short of a majority of 
the whole, none of the friends attended the meeting, but continued the pa- 
per until Mr. Bentley's aew members gave them a decided majority. 



[ 43 ] 

disregarded by Mr. Richardson's friends, who did not think 
fit to substitute any other, but voted them all in together, as 
had of late been practised in the parish meetings. 

The next week a parish meeting was called, to see if they 
would concur with the church in their call to Mr. Richardson. 

As the friends now considered themselves, from Mr. Ben- 
tley's opinion, as acting in a clear, ecclesiastical manner, and 
as the opposers had preferred a petition to the General Court 
for a separation of the parish, there probably would have been 
an issue of the contest, had it not been that Mr. H. Fearing, 
our member at Court, refused his assent to the Court's com- 
mittee, appointed to set off parishes, reporting to give leave to 
bring in a bill, without an order of notice ; and that some 
among the friends, exulting in their prospect of an ordina- 
tion, began to threaten that the opposition should never be 
set off. These circumstances, with Mr. Richardson's letter to 
Gen. Lincoln (Document No. 49) induced the opposition, in a 
meeting for the purpose of consulting what was best to be 
done, to offer to the principal characters among the friends, 
that if they would sign a paper, giving their assent that the 
opposition should be set off as a parish, and that they would 
not try to obstruct it, then they would make no objections on 
their part to Mr. Richardson's being settled in this place. This 
offer was rejected. 

The majority thus manifesting their intention not only to 
have Mr. Richardson for their own minister, but also to com- 
pel his opposers to sit under and support him, or change their 
denomination, the latter determined to employ the little time 
they had in making arrangements to meet such a council as 
might convene for the purpose of ordaining him, and to state 
and support their objections in the best manner they could 
prepare to in so short a time. For this purpose the following 
gentlemen were chosen a committee, viz. the Hon. B, Lin- 
coln, Col. Nathan Rice, Samuel Norton, Esq. Abner Lin- 
coln, Esq. Thomas Loring, Dea. William Cushing, Dr. Levi 
Lincoln, jun. Dr. Robert Thaxter and Jerom Cushing; who 
had only ten days to go to Boston, Charlestown, Cambridge, 
Groton, Concord and V/estford for evidences and attested do- 
cuments. 

They found that the Rev. Dr. Morse was under a pre-en- 
gagement on the Tuesday appointed for the first day's sitting 
of the council ; and that Mr. Rockwood had some business to 
attend. They however would endeavour, together with Dea- 



[ 44 ] 

con Goodwin's son, to come the next day if possible. Mr. 
Ely, another witness, was in the state of Connecticut. 

The time appointed for the council to meet was the first of 
July, at Mr. Hawkes Fearing's tavern hall, at nine o'clock, 
A. M. to hear any objections that should be made against Mr, 
Richardson. The committee of the opposition appeared at 
the hour, and waited till past ten o'clock, without finding any 
of the council in the hall, although they learnt that Mr. Bent- 
ley, and others of the council, were below in a room with 
the committee and friends that belonged to the church. The 
opposition committee inquired of Mr. H. Fearing, the reason 
why the council did not appear, to proceed to business, agree- 
able to notice, given. He informed them, that they were not 
ready ; and, as all the council had not arrived, it was proba- 
ble they would not proceed to business until after dinner, and 
that it was therefore needless for this committee to tarry. 
When the council should be ready, word would be sent them. 
On this the conrauttee retired, and waited until past five 
o'clock, P. M. when they received a billet from .Mr. Richard- 
son, directed to Gen. Lincoln, informing him, that the council 
were assembled, and were ready to hear any witnesses in 
support of the allegations contained in the protest signed by 
himself and others, and that an immediate attendance was re- 
quested. 

The committee went directly up, and found the hall, in 
which the council were assembled, guarded by a constable 
with his staff, and an assistant with a cane. After being in- 
terrogated whether they were a committee in behalf of the 
opposition, they were admitted ; but admittance was refused 
to any other persons, who were not specially pointed out by 
the friends. The council had previously organized themselves, 
and were surrounded by the parish committee, and that part 
of the church who were adherents of Mr. Richardson ; Mr. 
Barker, the moderator, having arrived about half an hour af- 
ter eleven o'clock, A. M. 

The council consisted of a deputation from four churches 
only, out of the seven intended, among whom were three 
ministers, with each a delegate, and two delegates from 
Tewksbury, one of them Mr. Richardson's father-in-law, and 
the other said to be his cousin. 

It appeared that the council, or a part of them, previous to 
admitting the opposition committee, had heard such state- 
ments as Mr. Richardson and his adherents had thought iit to 



[ 45 ) 

jnake, and that they had proceeded under the impression that 
the opposers were not considered a part of the society, and 
contributed nothing toward the support of the parish expen- 
ses ; which were not facts. It further appeared that they in* 
tended no allegations should be admitted in addition to those 
contained in the protest, alluded to in Mr. Richardson's billet 
to Gen. Lincoln. 

The committee presented a written request to the council, 
that the question, which was to be submitted to their decision, 
should be discussed in the meeting-house, that all persons in- 
terested might have an opportunity of hearing and juding for 
themselves. In support of this request it was urged, that if 
the business was conducted in private, appearances would be 
suspicious, and the result unsatisfactory ; that the most effectu- 
al way for Mr. Richardson to vindicate his character, and 
place it in a fair light to the world, if he was really innocent, 
w T as, to have it publickly investigated ; that on the other 
haud, the characters of Mr. Richardson's opposers were impli- 
cated, they having been accused of fabricating the charges 
against him ; and therefore were in justice entitled to the 
privilege at least of- proving their own innocence in a pub- 
lick manner. But it was all unavailing. 
- This request being refused, it was then observed to the 
council, that as the opposition had thought it expedient to so- 
licit the advice of an ecclesiastical council, in respect to the 
conduct they ought to pursue on the occasion, they had in- 
vited from their churches the Rev. Dr. Reed of Bridgewater, 
Rev. Mr. Harris of Dorchester, Rev. Mr. Porter of Roxbury, 
and the Rev. Mr. Alleyne of Duxbury, with each a delegate ; 
that they were then in session, and that to be able to form a 
correct opinion, and advise understandingly, it was necessary 
they should be acquainted with all the facts on both sides of 
the question ; for which purpose it was requested that they 
might be admitted. This request was denied, and admit- 
tance also refused to any of the clergymen who were in town. 

In all these objections, and in every part of the trial, Mr. 
Bentley took a very distinguished part in advocating the can- 
didate and the proceedings of the parish ; so much so, that it 
would not be improper to call him an attorney for the party, 
rather than one of an ecclesiastical council. Even one of the 
friends in the church noticed the good effect of his offices to 
them so much as to say, if they had given him five hundred 
dollars it would not have been too much. 



I 4*5 } 

The opposition committee objected to Mr. Richardson's or- 
dination, for two general reasons : 

1. Because the manner and acceptance of his call were ir- 
regular and unprecedented* 

2. Because they believed him an unsuitable person, in point 
of moral character, to be employed in the gospel ministry. 

In proof of the first they stated the manner of the parish 
proceeding without the consent of the chureh, and Mr. Rich- 
ardson's knowledge thereof, and the church's protest against 
the same. 

In the second a number of charges of a more specific na- 
ture were contained, viz. 

1. That Mr. Richardson had been guilty of violating one of 
the most solemn contracts in social life, for which he stood 
condemned in a court of justiee. 

2. That he had been guilty of base ingratitude, and created 
much disturbance, by divulging and misrepresenting a confi- 
dential communication made to him, at his request, by one 
Who had patronised 'him, and conducted toward him in the 
most friendly manner. 

3„ That he had avowed principles inconsistent with the 
peace and happiness of civil society. 

4. That, independent of the foregoing instances, he had 
been guilty of deception, prevarication and falsehood. 

6. That he had, by his improper speeches and conduct, 
manifested an unguarded, petulant and quarrelsome disposi- 
tion. 

6. That he had, by his acceptance and residence here, in 
an irregular and unprecedented manner, made himself an in- 
strument to destroy the peace of this parish, and the happi- 
ness of individuals ;* and although the consequences were 
long since well known to him, he has manifested a determi- 
nation still to remain here. 

In support of these several charges were brought forward 
the documents subjoined to this narrative, including a number 
of his letters written to Miss Robinson ; and the personal tes- 
timony of the Rev. Dr. Morse, Messrs. Rockwood and Good- 
win, together with a number of his misrepresentations, and 
false relations of facts, since he had been in Hingham, with 

* Many were constrained to go and bear him against their inclination, 
by a husband, or father, or wrought upon by fear, through some combina- 
tion against their interest, or otherwise. 



I « ] 

the testimonies in support of the same, but they were not ad- 
mitted by the council, who wished to be a few minutes by 
themselves, as they had been a considerable time in session, 
and felt exhausted. As Dr. Morse had not yet arrived, with 
Messrs. Roekwood and Goodwin, the council retired. 

After waiting for some time, the committee began to sus- 
pect that there might possibly be some misunderstanding be- 
tween them and the council, with regard to their being fur- 
ther heard, or that the council had determined to hear no 
more ; and handed in a written request, that the ordinatioa 
might be postponed, until the fate of the petition for a separa- 
tion might be known. 

Immediately after this was sent to the council, a letter from 
the opposition's council was received, containing their advice. 

On this another written request, founded on this advice", 
was sent to the council, viz. That the ordination might be 
postponed, until a mutual council should be called to investi- 
gate the subject, and determine on the expediency of Mr. 
Richardson's settlement in this place. 

To neither of these requests did the council think fit to re- 
turn an answer ; and in a very short time it was proclaimed 
that they would be in the meeting-house at half after twelve 
o'clock. 

Just before the council separated, Dr. Morse and Messrs. 
Roekwood and Goodwin arrived at the door, it being no later 
than half past eleven, A. M. The council being made ac- 
quainted with it, Mr. Bentley said, "We cannot help that;'* 
and they immediately dispersed. 

The moderator was sought, and found, and Dr. Morse in- 
troduced to him. He informed Mr. Barker, that he had 
made great exertions to come here ; that, such was the feeble 
state of his health, nothing but business of the greatest impor- 
tance would have induced him to have undertaken the jour- 
ney ; that he had come by the request of the opposition to 
Mr. Richardson,* and in justice to his own character (it hav- 
ing been said he durst not appear) as well as to the cause of 
that religion he was bound to protect; and, after making 
some pertinent remarks on the subject that engaged his pre* 

* Where was Mr. Richardson now, that he did not come forward, and 
solicit, with the earnestness that he did at Charlestown, for his accusers 
to meet him, and give him an opportunity to vindicate himself? If he 
had done this, undoubtedly Dr. Morse and Messrs. Roekwood and 
Goodwin would have been attended to. 



I 48 J 

sent attention, said, he could prove, by such evidence as 
would be considered conclusive in a court of justice, that Mr. 
Richardson did not pay that regard to truth which a minister 
ought to do ; and that he had avowed principles fatal to the 
peace of civil society, and in one instance at least had acted 
on those principles. The moderator said he would communi- 
cate the matter to the council. The Doctor, after waiting a 
time with the opposers' committee without hearing from him, 
finally sent a letter, in order that he might have an explicit 
answer whether he could be heard or not. No answer was 
given him, and in a short time the procession formed, and set 
out for the meeting-house, with their candidate, under the 
same guard that had protected them in the hall, secure and 
inaccessible to any but those pointed out for admittance, witU 
music, playing a march. 

The result of the ordaining council, as given by themselves, 
is as follows, viz. 

Hingham, July 1, 1806. 

At the house of Mr. Hawkes Fearing, innholder, in said 
Hingham. 

Present, by letters missive — 

From the first church in Middlebury, Plymouth County, Mas?, 
Rev. Joseph Barker and Capt. William Thompson. 

from the church in Plympton, Plymouth County, Mass. 
Rev. John Briggs and Mr. George Sampson. 

From the second church in Salem, Essex County, Mass. 
Rev. William Bentley and Capt. Benjamin Ward. 

From the church in Tewksbury, Middlesex County, Mass. 
Mr. John Spaulding and Mr. Jacob Marshall, with certificates. 

The church and congregation of the first parish in Hin- 
gham having unanimously agreed, that said churches, repre- 
sented as above, be a council, with full powers to hear all ec- 
clesiastical differences relating to the re-settlement of said 
church, 

The following officers were chosen : 

Rev. Joseph Barker, moderator, 
Rev. William Bentley, scribe. 

The council, having on that day, and by adjournment, con- 
sidered all the objections against the candidate, and having 



[ 4d ] 

examined the recommendation of the Rev. Dr. CummingS df 
Billerica, given to the trustees of Charlestown schools, while 
the candidate was pursuing his theological studies at the house 
of said Dr. Cummings, of great reputation in our churches, 
and having received the favourable testimonies of the trustees 
of said schools, and the selectmen of Charlestown ; and hav- 
ing heard no objections to the life and doctrine of Mr. Joseph 
Richardson while in Hingham ; and having certificates of his 
early admission into the Christian church, and of his exempla- 
ry deportment, from the professor of divinity (Dr. Smith) of 
Dartmouth College, with good assurances of his reputation 
during his collegiate life ; did unanimously, on the second of 
July, 1806, agree to proceed to his ordination, having satisfi- 
ed themselves of his qualifications and recommendations for 
the office of a Christian minister. 

Joseph Barker, Moderator. 
A true copy, William Bentley, Scribe, 

Attest. Joseph Richardson. 

It is left for the reader to determine whether those reve- 
rend gentlemen would not have given as just and candid an 
.account of the proceedings in the council, if they had left out 
the words, (e And having heard no objections to the life and 
" doctrine of Mr. Joseph Richardson while in Hingham,'* 
and introduced their doings with the words, "On that evenings 
€C and the next morning, we heard a part of the objections 
<c that ivould have been brought against him, if time could 
<c have been allowed." 

Some gentlemen, admiring how a parish which had always 
been so averse to Hopkinsianism, could have made choice q£ 
a preacher of sentiments congenial with those of the Rev. 
Mr. Barker, questioned him, whether Mr. Richardson had 
been ordained on Mr. Bentley's political creed, or on his reli- 
gious tenets; who replied, that Mr. Richardson had an- 
swered him to all questions with as much satisfaction as airy 
candidate he ever examined. And again, to another, that 
time did not admit of so many- questions being put as some- 
times were ; but that all the essential ones, of total depravi- 
ty, special election, &c. were put to him in the council by 
Mr. Briggs and himself, in which Mr. Richardson professed 
his belief. This being heard of in Hingham, Mr. Richardson 
furnished the following to his friends, to convince them he 
was not 3 nor did pretend to be, an Hopkinsian : viz. 

<%■ 



t 50 J 

ie t profess a serious belief of the sacred scriptures of the 
ec old and new testament, as containing a revelation from 
a God, graciously intended for the instruction of mankind in 
* the great things pertaining to their everlasting salvation ; 
ce and particularly in. the great doctrines of fall in Adam, and 
ic recovery by Jesus Christ ; of pardon and salvation on con- 
<c dition of faith and repentance, and of the influences and 
<€ aids of the Holy Spirit, promised to those who ask, to ena- 
" ble them to fulfil the conditions of the gospel covenant ; of 
<c an universal governing Providence ; of the resurrection Of 
u the dead ; of a future judgment, and future state of re- 
u wards and punishments. 

" This is the confession of faith, verbatim, as Submitted to 
f< the consideration of the council for my ordination. 

August 15, 1806. Joseph Richradson. 

A true copy from the original." 

After Mr. Richardson was ordained over the church and 
congregation of the north parish in Hingham, his friends de- 
puted a committee to the General Court, in order to hinder 
the opposition from being set off as a separate society. They 
however failed in their purpose. The opposition obtained an 
act of incorporation, built themselves a house of worship, and 
gave a unanimous call to Mr. Henry Colman to settle with 
them as their minister; which call he accepted. On the 
evening preceding the day assigned for the dedication of the 
house, and the ordination of Mr. Colman, the council conven- 
ed on that business were in session. At this late stage, it 
could hardly have been expected that any further interrup- 
tions from Mr. Richardson's society would have occurred ; but 
they determined not to let this last opportunity pass by neg- 
lected ; they accordingly sent in a remonstrance to the 
council, against the church over which Mr. Colman was to 
be-ordained being recognized-as the first church. In this cir- 
cumstance there was something more than the mere prece- 
dency of denomination ; it involved the property of the plate, 
&c. which had hitherto belonged to them in common, as the 
first church. We shall not stop to inquire what the genuine 
spirit of Christianity, unalloyed with the spirit of animosity^ 
might have dictated with respect to the disposal of those con- 
secrated articles. However the tendency of the remonstrance, 
at this late hour, might have been to embarrass and delay the 
proceedings of the council, it was not suffered to have that ef* 



[ 51 ] 

feet. Though there was ground for a claim (as matters had 
been conducted) to retain the denomination of the Jirst church, 
by those who had rejected Mr. Richardson for their minister, 
and consequently to Jiold the church property, yet as peace, 
not contention, was their object, they unanimously agreed to 
wave all considerations of interest in this respect — to give up 
all church property — and to take the name of the third church ; 
and on this foundation the solemnities of dedication and ordi- 
nation were the next day performed, and the third church 
and society happily settled under the pastoral care of the mi- 
nister they had unanimously chosen — yet not without regret, 
that a large society, which had subsisted with an uncommon 
degree of harmony and good fellowship, almost from the first 
settlement of the country, should be thus unnecessarily divid- 
ed, through a spirit of contention, fanned into a flame by one 
whose sacred office made it his duty to quench it. 



DOCUMENTS COPIED-. 



C No. 1. 3 

I NEVER introduced a Mr. Gleason or any other person in any com- 
pany, calling him, or pretending that any of my companions were, Joseph 
Richardson. Last winter I horse-whipped said Richardson at the hotel 
in Charlestown, which was occasioned by his abusive language in repeat- 
edly giving me the lie — and in which discussion Mr. Gleason was notnam- 
<yl or alluded to. D. PARKER. 

Charlestown, Oct. 18, 1805. 

July 26, 1806.— N. B. As to the time alluded to above, I do not parti- 
cularly recollect the date. On being questioned again to this point, I am 
not able to ascertain more particularly—but never had but one affray with 
Richardson. 

[ No. II. ] 

Dear Sir, 

You have requested me to state to you the origin and course of the af- 
fray which took place between Daniel Parker, Esq. and Mr. Richardson, 
at the hotel in Charlestown. Some months having since elapsed, I have 
almost forgotten the particulars which began the contest ; but if my 
recollection does not very much deceive me, it originated in a conversation 
between them, about a play, or farce, which they had seen represented at 
the theatre a few evenings previous ; a part of this conversation is almost 
lost to me, particularly that which passed before the venom of Richardson, 
displayed itself; when this appeared I grew rnoi-e attentive ; and Mr. 
Parker repeatedmany facts which he had before been suggesting, referring 
to me for their truth ; to all which I could at that time have testified. Rich- 
ardson, during this conversation of Mr. Parker's, which was addressed 
to me, would apply to every sentence some base and unbecoming epithet ; 
such as, Tou lie — Tou dirty puppy — Ton are a noted liar — You are a Jool, &€. 
&c. These indecencies he continued to repeat ; during which time Par- 
ker bore them with a calmness unexampled, until by their reiteration h^ 
became indignant, and left the table, saying, Mr. Richardson, I will 



t 54 ] 

settle the business with you after dinner ; to which Richardson replied, 
Z.eave the room, you dirty puppy ,• you are below my notice. Mr. Parkei 
then retired ; I soon left the room, and found Parker in the entry, with a 
whip under his coat. I told him I hoped he would be able to settle the 
affair without any further difficulty, that I conceived Mr. Richardson to 
be the aggressor ; and that on reflection he must be sensible of it. Par- 
ker said it was his desire to settle it, but he had been treated very ill by 
Mr. Richardson, and that unless he (Richardson) would make some con- 
cession, he was determined to whip him. It now being two o'clock, Mr. 
Richardson left the room to go to school ; and in passing through the 
entry, Parker asked him what he meant by his conduct at dinner ; to 
which Richardson replied, I meant what I now repeat, that you are a dirty , 
lying puppy, and I shall repeat it on all occasions. With this Parker 
struck him with the whip, and they immediately clenched : but rinding 
Richardson began to pull hair, and bite, two persons stepped between 
and parted them. The above affray, if I mistake not, took place about 
the month of April or May last. Your obedient servant, 

October, 1805. WILLIAM TUCKERMAN. 

The statement which Mr. Tuckerman has made is correct, so far as it 
comes within my recollection. As it respects the particular language 
which Mr. Richardson made use of at the table, and when the esquire 
was leaving the room, I do not recollect, but it was of a low kind. 
After they went into the entry I was not a witness. 

PEARSON NICHOLS. 

N. B. I do not. think Mr. Richardson so much to blame as people in 
general will imagine from seeing this statement, as the esquire was from 
time to time joking him very much to his displeasure. P. N. 

[ No. III. ] 

Sir, Concord, November 6, 1805. 

I this morning received your letter of yesterday, requesting informa- 
tion concerning Mr. Joseph Richardson's conduct and character in 
Charlestown. I don't hesitate to comply with your request. 

In October, 1804, I became a boarder, with Messrs. Rogers, Ely, Rock- 
wood and Richardson, in the family of Mr. Adams, in Charlestown. I 
was not then acquainted with Mr. Richardson, and had heard of nothing 
derogatory to his character, excepting his treatment to the lady whom he 
addressed while a student at college. Concerning this, as it is the foun- 
dation of a law -suit, now pending in this county, you have probably suffi- 
cient information. Some time in the course of last winter, it was current- 
ly reported in Charlestown, that Dr. Morse, in conversation with Mr. 
Richardson, had spoken unfavourably of some gentlemen in that town. 
As it caused much disturbance, and as the Doctor had uniformly con- 
ducted in a very friendly manner toward the gentlemen boarding with Mr. 
Richardson, they were induced to make some inquiries of him respecting 
the transaction. He did not deny having communicated Dr. Morse's 
opinion of these gentlemen to them. As this opinion of the Doctor's ap- 
peared to have been given in a confidential way to Mr. Richardson, and 
at his urgent request, he was then charged with treachery to the Doctor. 
Mr. Richardson then attempted to justify his conduct, saying, he had 
not done so much mischief as be could have done, and advanced this ex- 
traordinary principle—That if, even in a confidential manner, an opinion 
were given in his presence, unfavourable to an absent person, he always 
considered himself at liberty to divulge it. The gentlemen then board- 



[ 88 ] 

iiijj with Mi\ Adams, considering it disreputable and dangerous to live 
longer with Mr. Richardson, informed Mr. Adams, in Mr. Richardson's 
presence, that they didnot choose to live longer with him, and desired 
Mr. Adams either to dismiss Mr. Richardson, or make out their bills and 
they would remove. Mr. Richardson without further trouble left the 
house the same day. I ought to add further, that I frequently heard, 
from respectable authority, that Mr. Richardson, in making the 
communication from Dr. Morse to those gentlemen implicated, made so 
many alterations and additions, that it would require no small degree of 
ingenuity to make it pass lor truth. I have since been informed, that 
Mr. Richardson's conduct had been such, before this time, as to deprive 
him of the liberty of visiting one or two respectable families with whom 
he had previously been acquainted ; and within a short time after I be- 
lieve his character was considered as wholly lost. 

As Mr. Richardson is a republican, it may be suspected that his un- 
popularity with federalists arose from a difference in political opinions* 
That this is not the case, however, appears from this circumstance, that 
he has, within a few months past, been twice whipped by his republican 
brothers in Charlestown — an extent to which I believe no federalist has 
proceeded, whatever his demerits may have been. I am not surprised 
that you are desirous of preventing his being settled in any town in 
which you are particularly interested ; I should suppose that every ho- 
nest man would exert himself to prevent his being settled in his parish as 
a minister, as he would to prevent the entrance of the yellow fever. 
With respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

E. Gay, Esq. SAMUEL HOAR, Jun. 

[ No. IV. ] 

Gentlemen, Boston, November 9, 1805. 

In answer to your queries relative to my acquaintance with Mr. Rich- 
ardson, you will accept the following statement, and use it according to 
your discretion. I remained in Charlestown a year and a half after Mr, 
Richardson commenced his residence there. When he came to Charles- 
town, I knew nothing against his character, my opinion was favourable, 
my feelings friendly s and my attentions cheerful. During the former 
part of his residence in Charlestown, my acquaintance with him was how- 
ever but general. It gave me but little knowledge of the man, but con- 
vinced me, however, that his character was doubtful and concealed. Af- 
ter he had been in Charlestown four months, it was our fortune to 
board in the same bouse, in company with Mr. Hoar, Mr. Rogers and 
Mr. Ely. Here he soon became known. His disguise, though sufficient 
for occasional interviews, was inadequate to concealment under habitual 
intercourse. A variety of circumstances about this time made him a^ 
well known abroad as at home, and fixed such a character as terminated 
his intercourse with many (and as far as I know all) respectable families 
in the place. He had not boarded long with the gentlemen above men- 
tioned, before he was considered (both on account of his character abroad, 
and his conduct at home) a disagreeable and improper associate. The 
resolve was unanimous, that we would board in the family with him no 
longer ; and at our united request he left the house. Then all inter- 
course with Mr. Richardson ceased, and from that lime I have not had 
the least personal acquaintance with him. Many reports have been cur- 



I 56 ] 

1'es.t concerning him, the least of which, if true, would, disqualify him for 
his profession, and I know no reason to doubt them,* 
With respect, gentlemen, 

Yours, &c. 

E. ROCKWOOD. 
[ No. V. ] 

Charlestown, November, 18G£. 

Being" requested to state what I know relative to a certain transaction 
ol Mr. Joseph Richardson, 

I hereby certify, that in Jane, July, August, and some other months, in 
the year of our Lord 1804, I was personally acquainted, and boarded with 
the said Richardson ; that sometime in the latter part of Jane he receiv- 
ed an invitation to dine with the republican party in Charlestown ; that 
the said Richardson informed me he had accepted of the invitation, and 
agreed to perform some services at the table. And I do hereby certify, 
that a few days before the celebration of independence (which I think 
was on the 2d or 3d day of July) said Richardson informed me, he was 
going to inquire of Dr. Morse whether it was proper for him to dine with 
the party. I remonstrated against his going to the Doctor, and observed, it 
would only be to tempt him, because he had resolved, and promised, to 
dine ; and well knew that the Doctor was in principle opposed to him and 
his party. Richardson replied to me, something to this effect : "I am 
the Doctor's pupil, and shall get something out of him." Accordingly 
he went to see Dr. Morse, and after he returned observed, that he would 
be even with the Doctor, or something of this nature, which conveyed to 
my mind the idea of revenge. Because I disapproved of his conduct and 
speeches regarding his instructor, he frequently used very ill language,, 
calling his fellow student, "a dirty puppy , a knave, a rascal, a mean, l&U)-> 
lived, insignificant scoundrel ,•" which expressions and many other, indica- 
tive of a very passionate disposition, were very frequently used by him. 

EZRA STILES ELY. 

[ No. VI. ] 

For reasons given at large, verbally, to gentlemen from the town of 
Hingham, both friends and opposers of Mr. Joseph Richardson, and at 
their particular request — I hereby certify, that I consider the said Rich- 
ardson, in point of moral character, an unsuitable man to be employed in 
the gospel ministry. 

Should future occurrences render it necessary, a detail of these reasons 
in writing shall be given. JEDEDIAH MORSE. 

Charlestown, November 1, 1805. 

[ No. VII. ] 

Called upon by a number of respectable gentlemen from the town of 
Hingham to state certain facts within my knowledge, relative to Mr. Jo- 
seph Richardson, among others verbally communicated were the follow- 
ing, which by request 1 now state in writing, viz. That from the time said 
Richardson came to reside in this town, till the last November (1804) he 

* It is worthy of notice, that Mr. Rockwood lived in the family faith him, 
and after writing this, came ivitb Dr. Morse and Mr. Goodwin, with a desire 
of' seeing Mr. Kichardson face to face, and giving in detail the foundation of 
those sentime?its, to convince whomsoever it concerned, that his opposers had 
not been " misinformed." Bui it was so contrived that he and tkey co'M net- 
be heard. 



[ 87 ] 

occasional communion with the church under my pastoral care. Since that 
time, though a constant resident in this town, he has seldom, if ever, At- 
tended public worship on the sabbath, to my knowledge, in the congrega- 
tional society, where before he usually worshipped when in town ; and not 
once has he been present at the administration of the Lord's supper. The 
known cause of his thus withdrawing from statedly worshipping and com* 
muning with said congregational church and society (viz. his ungrateful 
treatment of his instructor and. patron) would have rendered his presence 
at the communion table, had he appeared there as usual, unacceptable to 
many members of the church, and particularly so to myself. Indeed, if he 
had presented himself at the communion table, I had determined to have 
requested him to withdraw, believing, that in so doing I should have been 
supported by a respectable number of my Christian friends. 

As Mr. Richardson has manifested no disposition to heal the breach 
which he made by his offensive conduct in respect to a like case with that 
mentioned, my determination remains unaltered. 

Charleston™, November 8, 1805. JEDEDIAH MORSE. 

[ No. VIII. ] 

Dear Sir, Billerica, November 26, 1805. 

I was not a little surprised to hear that my letter, recommending Mr. 
Joseph Richardson to the patronage of Dr. Morse, had been made use of 
to vindicate said Richardson against unfavourable reports concerning him, 
which refer to instances of his conduct posterior to the date of said letter ; 
as if I had pledged myself for his future correct behaviour. 

The letter aforesaid expresses my ideas of Mr. Richardson at the time 
when it was written ; at which time I presumed, with good reason, as I 
thought, that by a propriety of conduct he would secure and enjoy the ben- 
efit of that patronage which I solicited for him. If he has fofeited and 
lost it by improper behaviour, my expectations are disappointed, but I do 
not feel myself amenable. 

As to the affair between him and the young woman, who charges !um 
with a violation of a promise of marriage (which he denies) and who has 
on that ground sued him for damages, I would only observe, that as there 
was never any suggestion of criminal intimacy that I know of, I am fully 
persuaded, that had the affair never been prosecuted in the law (as it was 
almost a year after his leaving my house) it would soon have been buried 
in oblivion by the 'generality of his acquaintance, among the venial impru- 
dences of unexperienced youth, which do not essentially affect character. 
The law-suit is not yet ended. 

If you wish for a statement of Mr. Richardson's conduct since he left 
Billerica, I am notable to give it, as I have had very little correspondence 
with him since that time. I know there are reports in circulation respect- 
ing him, calculated to wound his reputation; some of which are so cir- 
cumstanced as to lay a foundation to suspect that all is not right. The 
impression of such suspicions may reasonably restrain me from recommend- 
ing without further inquiry and satisfaction ; at the same time Christian 
candour forbids a decided censure , especially as I have not conversed with 
Mr. Richardson on the subject, and know not what defence he would 
make, or his friends on his behalf. Whatever may be my apprehensions 
respecting the result of a thorough inquiry, I feel myself obliged* for want 
of sufficient light and evidence, to suspend my judgment upon the ques- 
tion whether he is guilty or innocent in whole or in part. I add, that 
when I joined in approbating him as a candidate for the ministry, I view- 
ed him as a fair character, of competent literature and talents, and as a 
firm believer in the gospel doctrine of salvation. What he is now in re- 

H 



-t 58 ] 

gard to faith or character, is another question, which I am not better able 
to answer than yourself. 

In regard to the doctrines, religious sentiments and ministerial abili- 
ties of a candidate, ifhe cannot recommend himself he must take the con- 
sequence. Persuaded that the Christian society in Hingham are not des- 
titute of competent judges, I presume they will never settle a man who 
cannot give them rational satisfaction on these points, either by his public 
performances or private conversation, though they have no other objec- 
tion. 

From your representations I feel anxiously concerned for the good peo- 
ple of Hingham, and do, with the utmost sincerity, implore the Father 
cf Lights to grant them that wisdom which is profitable to direct. 

With respectful consideration, 
Mr. Abner Lincoln, I am, Sir, your obedient friend. Adieu. 
Preceptor. HENRY CUMMINGS. 

[ No. IX. ] 

Hanover, (N. H.J August, 1802. 
It is hereby certified, that Mr. Joseph Richardson is a member of the 
Church of Christ, at Dartmouth College ; and that he is in regular and 
good standing. He is recommended to the Christian care, fellowship 
and communion of any regular Church of Christ, wherever God in his 
Providence may call him to be, or to reside. 

By JOHN SMITH, 
Pastor of said Church, at Dartmouth College. 

[ No. X. ] 

At a meeting of the Andover Association, at the Rev. Dr. Symmes's, 
December 4th, 1803, Mr. Joseph Richardson having applied for appro- 
bation, and having satisfied ourselves respecting his moral character, 
theological studies and qualifications — we do hereby recommend him to 
the notice and employment of the Churches of Christ, wherever God in 
his Providence shall call him. 

Wm. SYMMES, Moderator. 
JESSE FRENCH, Scribe. 

[ No. XL ] 

Reverend Sir, Billerica, January 2, 1804. 

This is to inform you, that Mr. Joseph Richardson, the bearer, was 
born in Billerica ; has been for the most part in his native town, and in a 
town adjoining ; his character is fair, as far as I have heard. He has had 
the reputation of good morals from his youth up. I. believe you will find 
him a young gentleman of good disposition and promising talents, and 
worthy of your friendly patronage. He taught a school last year in Bil- 
lerica" for several months, to universal satisfaction ; and I have no 
doubt but he is competent to the business of the school in which I un- 
derstand he is engaged at Charlestown. 

Having sufficient credentials relative to his education and Christian 
profession at Dartmouth College, and having also an approbation as a 
candidate for the ministry, from the association to which I belong, it is 
needless for me to enlarge in his recommendation. It may be proper, 
however, to observe, that not being in affluent circumstances, the ex- 
penses of his education invelved him in such circumstances as made it 
expedient for him to commence a candidate for the sacred science afore- 
said, sooner than he would otherwise have done. That holy employment 



[ 59 1 

being his object, I wish him success and all needful encouragement in 
the prosecution of his theological studies. 

With respectful consideration, 

Your friend and brother, 
Rev. J. Morse. HENRY CUMM1NGS. 

[ No. XII. ] 

Charlestown, August 16, 1805. 
We the subscribers, trustees of Charlestown free schools, having been 
applied to by Mr. Hawkes Fearing, of Hingham, to know the character 
of Mr. Joseph Richardson, who now keeps the school under our care, 
say, as far as we have had an opportunity of knowing; him, we find in 
him a very good school-master ; and his character in all other respects, 
as far as our own knowledge of him, is that of an honest man, and one 
whom we should be glad to retain in the school over which he now pre- 
sides. a 

D <WID GOODWIN, "V 
THOMAS HARRIS, I. Trustees. 
MATTHEW BRIDGE, \ 



[ No. XIII. ] 

Cbarlestovm, November 15, 1805. 
This may certify whom it may concern, that Mr. Joseph Richardson 
boarded with me for a considerable time in the year 1804 ; and his con- 
duct towards me and my family was at all times very civil and respectful, 
and such as gave us no reason to complain. 

A. ADAMS. 

I No. XIV. ] 

Charle-stmvn, November 15, 1805. 
This may certify whom it may concern, that Mr. Joseph Richardson 
boarded in the house with me a number of months, and I considered him 
a quiet, peaceable boarder, 

PEARSON NICHOLS. 

[ No. XV. ] 

Charleston, October 25, 1805. 
We the subscribers, Selectmen of Charlestown, having been desired 
to express our opinion of Mr. Joseph Richardson, since his residence in 
this town, are compelled in justice to say, that as a gentleman he is high- 
ly respectable, frank, open and sociable ; that in the capacity of an in- 
structor he has given very general satisfaction, both to parents and chil- 
dren ; and as a moral and good man, we believe his character to be fair 
and exemplary. We do not hesitate to say, further, that if any illiberal 
surmises or dishonourable charges have been hinted to this gentleman's 
prejudice, we believe them to be wholly groundless. We further give 
him the testimony of our highest respect and best wishes, and should 
esteem it a misfortune to lose him as a public instructor. 

NATHANIEL HAWKINS, "j 
RICHARD FROTHINGHAM, | 
DANIEL TUFTS, | Selectmen - 

SOLOMON PHIPPS, Y of 

JONATHAN TEAL, {Charleston;:, 

JABE2 FROTHINGHAM, 
TIMOTHY THOMPSON, ? 



[ 60 ) 
[ No. XVI. ] 

DsAit Sir, Char/estown, December 19, 1805. 

I received yours of the 14th instant, in which you inform me a report 
is in. circulation in your parish that I should not, if again called upon, 
give my opinion as I have heretofore done with the other Trustees in fa- 
vour of Mr. Joseph Richardson's moral character. I know not from what 
quarter they get siich fabulous reports : they are so untrue, that I now 
confirm my former good opinion of him. I have frequently been in com- 
pany with him, and often find him at Dr. Stillman's lectures. I observe 
when returning home with h;m, that he always introduces religious sub- 
jects, and appears to be fond of conversing upon them. I am always 
ready to support the character of the innocent and virtuous, which I 
think is the character of Mr. Richardson ; and in addition thereto can 
conscientiously say, as one of the trustees, I am very much pleased with 
him as a school-master ; I can further say the scholars under his care 
both love and respect him, as far as I can find out — and ahould it please 
the great Head of the Church to settle him among you, I pray God to 
make him a rich and lasting blessing to the dear Church and Congrega. 
tion. And may the God of love and peace dwell with vou all — is the pray- 
er of your friend, DAVID GOODWIN. 

To H. Fearing. 

[ No. xvir. ] 

Hingham, December 9, 1805. 

This certifies, that Mr. Joseph Richardson and I fitted for College to- 
gether at Tewksbury, with the Rev. Mr. Barton ; that we were class- 
mates and chums the whole time, being near two years ; that we entered 
Dartmouth College together, and roomed together and boarded together 
the four years of our residence at College ; and that we lived peaceably 
and happily : That since we graduated we have corresponded together 
by letter, and frequently visited each other ; that our acquaintance has 
been intimate, and our friendship I believe sincere : That Mr. Richard- 
son sustained a distinguished!)' religious character whilst we were fitting 
for College, and whilst we were at College ; that he was uncommonly 
charitable to the poor, and liberal in contribution to promote the public 
happiness. Thus far is fact. 

Having been so long and so intimately acquainted with Mr. Richardson, 
my opinion of his natural temper and disposition may be desired. I 
therefore in sincerity certify, that I consider him of an open, generous, 
benevolent, glowing, exquisitely feeling heart, and of a temper naturally 
sanguine, and habitually inclined to virtue. 

NATHANIEL HUSE. 

[No. XVIII.] 

Mr. H. Fearing, Westford, November 9, 1805. 

Sir — I wrote you a few days since, and again I address myself to 
you as one wishing well to the parish of which you are a member, and a 
leading character of that, and the town to which you belong. If I am 
correct in my ideas of your general and moral character and principle as 
a useful member in society, I have no doubt but you wish to promote or- 
der and harmony in the town and parish where you reside in particular 
(and at large.) To such a man 1 say, I learn you are endeavouring to 
settle a minister, and if lam correct, are in favour of Mr. J. Richard- 
son, a man educated and fitted in and near this town. He was courting 
a very fine young woman here for five or six years, and was considered 
as promised in marriage ; but at once he broke off, and wrote her the 



[ 61 ] 

following words, viz. " Think of the subscriber no more, and for God^ 
sake forgive me." " Forgive me" what ? If he was not faulty, what is 
there to forgive ? For what does he crave forgiveness ? This breach is 
now pending before our Supreme Court at Cambridge. And at present 
his character here stands such as you would not wish to have as a divine 
with you. For my own part, I have no personal knowledge of him. 
Permit me the liberty to say, look before you leap. His conduct to Miss 
Robinson is here universally condemned by the most respectable people 
of this town, and from what I can learn, should be sorry to have our re- 
publican principles supported by such men. I wish you a good man set- 
tled, and a republican in principles ; but of a good moral character. Pol- 
iticks should never interfere in religious concerns. They are two dis- 
tinct characters or orders, and ever ought to be kept separate. 
I remain 

Your obedient servant and friend, 

LUTHER LINCOLN. 

[ No. IX. ] 

.Sir, Cbarlestozvn, December 26, 1805. 

As the letters, or " written documents," which you or your friends 
have in possession, containing charges and reports prejudicial to my mor- 
al character, have been publicly read and every way employed to my in- 
jury ; and as the means of making a full defence have been denied me, 
1 see not how any principle of honour or rectitude can justify the posses- 
sors in withholding them longer. 

Sir, I again earnestly solicit copies of all those documents, or an op- 
portunity that I or my friends may copy them 

I say, Sir, if they contain the truth, it is not in my power, nor is it in 
my disposition, to prevent your receiving all the due advantage that can 
result from them. 

I cannot but feel assured that your generosity will cheerfully grant, 
what, in my humble opinion, justice demands. 

With due respect, 
Col. Nathan Rice. JOSEPH RICHARDSON. 

[ No. XX. ] 
Sir, Hinghatn, December 31, 1805. 

In answer to your letter requesting me to furnish you with a copy of 
certain letters, or documents, containing charges and reports prejudicial 
to your moral character, which you say have been publicly read, and in 
every way made use of to your injury, and which you observe are in my 
possession, or that of my friends — it might be sufficient for me to re- 
mark, what I did when I saw you at the Miss Barker's, that I was not 
the proprietor of those documents, none of them having been sent to me — 
that therefore I had no right to dispose of them. 

I think you will have the candour to acquit me of a disposition to deny 
you the means of making a full defence of your character, after the free 
discussion I had with you, and communication of those documents to you, 
in the presence of your friends. 

They contained a narrative of certain transactions, and the opinions of 
particular gentlemen who relate. That you thoroughly understood them, 
and well knew the persons from whom they came, is very manifest, from 
the document you furnished, which was publicly read, in which you give 
your statement of all the transactions referred to in them, with such cir- 
cumstances as you expected no doubt would fully justify your conduct ; 
la which (as I understood it) you do not hesitate to bestow opprobrious 



• [ 63 I 

epithets on, but explicitly impeach the veracity of the writers of them. 
?\ T or do I recollect in any part of jour narrative, any thing- that looked 
like ignorance of the subject matter of which you are accused therein, op 
of the persons exhibiting 1 the accusations. To them, it was always in 
your power, and in that of your friends, to apply, and obtain that infor- 
suation which you now request of me. On this knowledge, I say, you 
proceeded to justify yourself, and that justification it is presumable 
roust have been intended to satisfy those who had doubts of the proprie- 
ty of your conduct. But that was clenied them ; a copy was refused, even, 
after an offer was made to give a copy of the documents against you. I 
eannot therefore perceive aay ground of complaint of being deprived of 
information already in your possession, or which you or your friends 
could have obtained on so easy terms. 

How far your statement would have satisfied my mind, had I been in- 
dulged with a perusal of it, I cannot say ;. but I do most candidly say, that 
the charges contained in those letters, and which appear to be the only 
things noticed by you, are not the only nor the greatest difficulties with 
me. There are such evidences of impropriety in your conduct towards 
Miss Robinson — your denial of being under a promise of marriage to her, 
nahitk is stated by Dr. Cummings, and which, seems to be incompatible 
with truth, as.manifested by a certificate or deposition made by the Rev. 
Mr. Barton, and which is also pretty fully proved by your own letter to her, 
in which you *' beg ker to place no more confidence in you, but for God's sake 
to forgive you" — and by her letter to you of August, 1803 ; the very com- 
plexion of which would give the lie to such an assertion. For if no 
promise existed, why the request for forgiveness of her ? I say, Sir, 
these, together with your insinuation that you had a letter from her, in 
which she gives her full assent to a discontinuance of the connexion, 
evidently intending thereby to satisfy the minds of people on that head, 
together with your apparent determination to remain here, notwithstand- 
ing the great and serious opposition thereto, and the unhappiness it will 
inevitably create ; so unlike that disposition which we lately experienced 
In our late worthy Pastor, the small opposition to whom in the parish 
was a very powerful inducement with him to leave us, and accept the in- 
vitation at Cambridge — are difficulties in my mind, among others, I am 
unable to surmount, and determine my belief in your being an unsuitable 
man for the sacred office of a minister of the gospel. 

With due respect, 

Joseph Richardson. N. RICE. 

[ No. XXI. ] 

To Messrs. Nathaniel Hawkins, R. Frothingham, D. Tufts, S. 

Phipps, J. Teal, J. Frothingham, and T. Thompson, jun.-— 

Selectmen of the Town of Cbarlestown. 
Gentlemen, 

You are individually strangers to me, and perhaps always would have 
remained such, but for the respectablity of your offices, and a letter of 
recommendation to Mr. Joseph Richardson, with an intent to introduce 
Lim to the Pastoral charge of the first Parish in Hingham, of which I am 
an attendant. How far political matters ought, or how far you mean that 
they should influence you, may at present be passed over. But you 
must be sensible, for the regular social bonds of society, it is necessary 
for a good understanding and a mutual confidence to exist among the 
members thereof ; more especially in that which is to carry forward the 
mutual request and adoration of its constituents to the Supreme Eeing. 
Therefore with me you will agree, that a Minister of the Gospel ought to 



[ 63 ] 

be a pious, discreet, exemplary man, in order to make a due impression 
on the hearts of his hearers, as well as to walk prudently between them ; 
and that when gentlemen use the power of their office to enforce a re- 
commendation of any one for a minister, they ought to be scrupulously 
cautious how they suddenly take up an opinion, and upon what founds - 
tion they support it. Although candour forbids our saying ought against, 
(nay, may command our well-wishes to an individual) yet the greater 
good of society demands the first attention. As you, Gentlemen, have, 
"in your recommendation of Mr. Richardson, been careful to add, that 
41 if any illiberal surmises or dishonourable charges have been hinted to 
'i the contrary, we believe them groundless," you will give me leave, 
Gentlemen, to make the following suggestions and queries to yourselves - y 
viz. Whether you have not heard of a suit against him at Concord, in 
which he was cast in damage for a breach of promise to a young Lad}', 
which case is now pending at the Supreme Court in Cambridge. 

2nd. Whether you know any thing about his communication of the 
confidential conversation between Dr. Morse and himselfj and the cir- 
cumstances thereof. 

3d. The conversation between Mr. Ezra S.Ely and Mr. Richardson, 
respecting his (Richardson's) going to Dr. Morse to tempt him to say 
something about his dining with the Republican party in CharlestOwn i 
and whether any or all of you were present at the conversation. 

4th. Whether any or all of you were present at the conversation which 
took place between Messrs. Richardson, Hoar, Rogers, Rockwood and 
Ely, at Mr. Adams's, after that afiair, and know the substance of it m 
that manner. 

5th. Also whether any of you were present at the affray between Mr. 
Richardson and Dan. Parker, Esq. at the Hotel, which terminated in a 
fight or something like to one. 

6th. And whether you know any thing to the contrary, why the testi- 
mony of Dr. Morse, the Rev Titus Theodore Barton of Fitchburg, 
Dan. Parker, Esq. Samuel Hoar, Esq. Ephraim Rockwood, Esq, Mr. 
Rogers, Ezra Stiles Ely, William Tuckerman and P. Nichols, should not 
be received as truth, or either of them. 

These questions, I hope, Gentlemen, you will not refuse to indulge 
me with an answer to in writing, in order to let your past recommenda- 
tion have its just weight and influence by being communicated to the 
Parish.* 

I am, Gentlemen, with due respect, 

Your humble servant, 

THOMAS THAXTER, 

* This Is not only my own, but the request of a number of Gentlemen 
in Hingham. 

[ No. XXII. ] 
To the North Parish in Hingham, assembled in Parish Meeting, on 
the yth and loth days of December, 1805. 
The Subscribers, Inhabitants of said Parish, deeply impressed with 
the importance of having for our Minister a man of pious and exemplary 
character, whose conduct has been prudent and discreet, and whose life 
and conversation have been such as become the Gospel ; not only for our 
own profit as hearers, and for the benefit of the rising generation, but 
for the cause of religion and morality in the world— do, for ourselves, 
our posterity, and our Christian brethren in general, enter this our sol- 
emn protest against the proceedings of this Parish, in calling Mr. Joserfu 



[ 64 ] 

Richardson to the Pastoral care of this Church and Congregation. View* 
ing him, as we most sincerely do, to be destitute of those qualifications 
in point of* moral character, which every Minister of the Gospel ought to 
possess, in order to command the respect, the confidence and attention 
of his hearers, and to enforce the truths of the Gospel which he may 
preach — and believing him, as we do, to have been guilty of such viola- 
tions of faith and confidence, and such indecencies of conduct, as are by 
no means calculated to adorn the doctrine which he teaches, and which 
he ought to exemplify ; but, on the contrary, in our minds entirely dis- 
qualify him for his profession — we deem it our duty thus publicly and 
solemnly to bear testimony against this procedure. The facts on which 
our opinion is grounded, are not merely unauthenticated reports, but 
written documents, from gentlemen of respectability and undoubted ve- 
racity ; who are answerable for what they have asserted, and consequent- 
ly must be liable to very serious and severe consequences, both in pro- 
perty and reputation, if in their statements they departed from the truth. 
We will here recapitulate some of the grounds on which we rest our be- 
lief, and appeal to every person of candour whether they are not substan- 
tiated. 

In the first place, we believe Mr. Richardson to have been guilty of 
a breach of promise, under circumstances of an aggravated nature. The 
fact on which this belief is grounded, is of such notoriety, that no one 
pretends to dispute it ; viz. — That he was prosecuted at the Inferiour 
©ourt at Concord, where it may fairly be presumed that every evidence 
was adduced, and every argument used, which could destroy or mitigate 
the force of the charge ; and that after hearing this evidence, and the 
arguments of able counsel, a jury of twelve impartial men did, on their 
oaths, adjudge Mr. Richardson to pay damages to the amount of five 
hundred dollars. 

We believe Mr. Richardson to have been guilty of a breach of confi- 
dence, in divulging a confidential communication made to him by Dr. 
Morse, by his own particular and urgent request, and which was given 
by the Doctor from motives of friendship to Mr. Richardson ; but which 
appears to have been obtained by ' Mr. Richardson for the base and un- 
generous purpose of being communicated ; by which some individuals 
were highly irritated and offended, and which created a serious difficulty 
between a Minister and some of his people ; with whom the most perfect 
harmony ought to subsist. Our belief of these circumstances is founded 
on the testimony of Dr. Morse and Messrs. Hoar and Ely. 

From the authority of Messrs. Hoar, Rockwood, and Ely, we believe 
him to have been guilty of such indecencies of conduct, and to have avow- 
ed such principles, as rendered him in the eyes of his acquaintance a 
disagreeable and dangerous companion : in consequence of which, the 
gentlemen with whom he boarded unanimously requested him to leave 
the house. 

From the authority of the two last mentioned Gentlemen, we believe 
his conduct to have been such as to deprive him of the liberty of visiting 
many respectable families in Charlestown with whom he had before asso- 
ciated. 

From the testimony of Messrs. Parker, Tuckerman, Nichols and Gor- 
don, we believe him to have been concerned in an affray with Mr. Par- 
ker, in which contest his language was highly irritating and insulting, 
and his conduct such as would be derogatory to the character of any 
gentleman, but peculiarly a candidate for the sacred office of a min- 
ister of the Gospel ; and on this occasion he manifested a disposition very 
different from that which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and easy to be en- 
treated ; which is an indispensable requisite in a preacher of Christianity.- 



[ 65 ] 

Finally, we believe, fVom a review of the several well-attesled state- 
ments tdluded to, and from the character generally given of Mr. Rich- 
ardson .vhere he is known, that his settlement in this parish would have 
a tendency to destroy that social order and harmony for which we have 
for bo many years been distinguished, and to introduce confusion, dis- 
cord and immorality. 

Under these solemn impressions v\e would again make our remon- 
strances to the parish, and call on them to review what they have done, 
and to consider well what they are about to do : to reflect seriously on 
the importance of the transaction which now engages their attention ; to 
remember that the consequences of their present decision are not con- 
fined to this life, but extend beyond the bounds of time ; and- that the 
future and eternal happiness of the present and succeeding generations. 
is perhaps suspended on the result of this day's proceedings. 



B. Lincoln 
Samuel Norton 
Thomas Gill 
Thomas Thaxter 
Abner Lincoln 
John Seal 
Isaiah Cushing 
Noah Hearsey 
Nathan Rice 
Levi Lincoln 
Thomas Loring 
J^oring Bailey 
Moses Whit on 
Joseph Hammond 
Jacob Thaxter 
Robert Thaxter 
JEphraim Andrews 



Martin Lincoln 
Thomas Thaxter, jun. 
Samuel Hobart 
David Lane 
Samuel Andrews 
Benjamin Jones 
Jerom Cushing 
John Beal, 3i 
Perez Lincoln 
Caleb Bates 
^uincy Thaxter 
Thomas Andrews 
Ebed Hearsey 
J air us Leavitt 
Daniel Thaxter 
Levi Lincoln, jun. 
Benjamin Andrexvs 



Warren Burr 
Ambrose Lathrop 
Nathan Lincoln 
Joseph Hammo?id, jun. 
Peter Loring 
Ebenezer Gay 
Samuel Norton, jun. 
Joseph Thaxter 
Benjamin Cushing 
David Lincoln . jun . 
William Cushing 
Ensign Barnes 
Spiller Fillmore 
Jared Lane 
Henry Nye 
John Barker 



I No. XXIII. ] 

At a Meeting of the First Church in Hingham, holden at the Derby Academy, 
January 9, 1806 — 21 members present — 

Hon. Benjamin Lincoln Moderator: — 

Voted, unanimously, That the Church consider, the settlement of a 
gospel minister is one of the most important and interesting transactions 
which can ever arrest the attention of any Christian society. In the cor- 
rectness of it, the cause of religion, the well-being of society and the 
happiness of individuals are deeply involved. In the selection of reli- 
gious instructors, our pious forefathers were extremely cautious and con- 
scientious. They were firm believers, that the traits of character, which 
St. Paul described as requisite in a bishop, were absolutely necessary in 
a Christian minister : — That he should be blameless, as the steward* of 
God ; not self-willed, not soon angry, no striker, not given to fihhy lucre ; 
but a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate ; that he might be 
able both to exhort and to convince : also, that he should have a good 
report of them who are without, lest he fall into reproach. 

The congregational churches in New-England early adopted the ad- 
vice of St. Paul, and their strict adherence thereto greatly promoted the 
cause and interests of religion. Any deviation therefrom is considered 
dangerous arid hostile to Christianity. Under these impressions the 
Church cannot but view the late conduct of the Parish, in inviting Mr. 
Joseph Richardson to the pastoral care of this church and congregation c 
as irregular and improper. 

I 



t 66 J 

1st. Irregular, because the invitation was given, by the Parish without 
first obtaining or ever requesting the concurrence of the Church, contra- 
ry to the uniform practice of the churches in New-England. 

2nd. Improper, because there are strong and insuperable objections in 
the minds of many against Mr. Richardson, on account of his moral char- 
acter. 

3d. Improper, because of the division and great unhappiness which 
the invitation, if accepted, would occasion in this Church and Society. 

Atk. Improper, because if the Candidate should be settled under pre- 
sent circumstances, his usefulness, even if he were a good man, would 
in a great measure be lost, and his conduct in accepting would be totally 
different from the directions of St. Paul, who said, It is not good to do 
any thing whereby a brother is offended. 

With these views, therefore, the Church do totally disapprove of the 
conduct of the Parish in choosing and inviting Mr. Joseph Richardson 
for their pastor, and do hereby enter their solemn protest thereto, under 
the solemn and awful impressions of future accountability to that Being, 
from whom no action can be concealed, and to whom no thought nor de- 
sign of the heart is unknown. 

Attest. WILLIAM CUSHING, Clerk. 

■ [ No. XXIV. ] 

Gentlemen, Uingham, February 18, 18C6\ 

You are hereby informed that the ecclesiastical council, appointed by 
the parish and Mr. Joseph Richardson, to investigate his moral charac- 
ter, will sit at the house of Mr. Andrew Seton, in Charlestown, on 
Tuesday, 25th instant, at ten o'clock, A. M. at which time and place, 
you, and all others opposed to Mr. Richardson, may have an opportunity 
to shew cause why he is not a man of good moral character. 
To Deacon William Cushing, THOMAS FEARING, 

and Mr. Thomas Loring. In behalf of the Parish Committee. 

[ No. XXV. ] 

To the Rev. Gentlemen, Dr. Cummin gs and others, assembled for the purpose 

of investigating the moral character of Mr. Joseph Richardson. 
Gentlemen, 

I have been notified, as clerk to the First Church of Christ in Hing. 
ham, by the chairman of a committee of the parish, that an ecclesiastical 
couneif will meet at Charlestown, the 25th instant, to investigate the 
moral character of Mr. Joseph Richardson, and that myself and any oth- 
ers who are opposed to his settlement in this place as a gospel minister, 
may have an opportunity of stating our objections. 

Having communicated the subject to a number of my brethren of the 
church, and having reflected on it, I hope with all that seriousness which 
its importance demands, we were unanimously of opinion, that, as the 
church have remonstrated to the parish against the calling of Mr. Rich- 
ardson to the gospel ministry in this place, as they have never been con- 
sulted in the invitation of this council, and as the calling of an ecclesi- 
astical council without the concurrence of the church, is unauthorised 
by the platform, and contrary to the uniform practice of the churches of 
New-England, that therefore any statements by the church, of our ob- 
jections to Mr. Richardson, would be recognising the authority of the 
council, and sanctioning an innovation dangerous to the rights of the 
church, and the general interests of religion. 

I feel it my duty, therefore, as an individual interested in the main- 
tenance of that good order, decorum and propriety, for which our pious 
ancestcrs were so eminently distinguished, and which is an essential pi!*' 



[ 67 ] 



lar of Morality and HeVgion— for myself, and in b :half of my brethren of 
the church, to remonstrate against the irregular proceeding of the parish 
in culling this council, and to disavow the jurisdiction of the council in 
the subiect referred to them, however confident we may be in the wis- 
dom and integrity of the gentlemen who compose it. 
With due respect, Gentlemen, 

I am your obedient servant, 

WILLIAM CUSHING, 
Clerk of the First Church of Christ in Hingham. 
We, the undersigned members of the first Church of Christ in Hing- 
ham, do approve and agree to the foregoing remonstrance. 



~\ » Isaiah Cashing Robert Thaxter 

■ o Samuel Norton Jairus Leavitt 

$ «* Noah Hearsey John Beal 

J fl Ebed Hearsey Nathan Lincoln 

David Lincoln Caleb Thaxter 

Abner Lincoln Nathan Mice 
Benjamin Jones 

We, the undersigned, inhabitants of the First Parish in Hingham, but 
not members of the church, considering ourselves under the jurisdiction 
©f the church in ecclesiastical affairs, do approve and agree to the fore- 
going remonstrance. 

David Lane John Beal, 3d. 

Henry Nye Martin Lincoln 

Perez Lincoln Benjamin Barnes 

Jerom Gushing George Barnes 

Jared Lane Moses Whiton 

Thomas Andrews Nathaniel Wilder 

Samuel Norton, jun. Daniel Thaxter 

Henry Thaxter Spiller Fillmore 

Samuel Hobart Eben. Gay 

Peter Hearsey Levi Lincoln, jun. 

Peter Hearsey, jun, Caleb Bates 

Joseph Blake Seth Stodder 

Joseph Hammond, jun. Canterbury Barnes 

Benjamin Andrews Elijah Whiton, 3d. 



Joseph Thaxter 
Benj. Gushing 
William Gushing 
David Lin coln,jr 
£. Lincoln 
'Levi Lincoln 
Thomas Gill 



Thomas Loring 
Loring Bailey 
'^Joseph Hammond 
Thomas Thaxter 
Jacob Thaxter 
John Barker 
Ensign Barnes 
Jacob Williams 
ghiincy Thaxter . . 
Warren Burr 
Thomas Thaxter, jun. 
Ephraivi Andrews 
Samuel Andrews. 
Peter Loring 



[ No. XXVI. ] 

The Parish having this day voted to engage Mr. Joseph Richardson to 
reside among them as a public teacher of religion, until he shall be reg- 
ularly settled as a gospel minister ; — 

We, whose names are underwritten, having borne tettimony or voted 
against that measure, do hereby declare that we cannot conscientiously 
and conveniently attend upon the instructions of* said Joseph, for the fol- 
lowing reasons, viz. — 

1st- Because objections to the moral character of the said Joseph have 
been made, of which ample evidence exists, and which we fully believe. 

2nd. Because the advocates of said Joseph in this parish have rejected, 
our proposition to convene an ecclesiastical council, mutually to be cho- 
sen by the said Joseph and his advocates on the one part, and his oppo- 
nents on the other, to settle all matters in controversy relative to the said 
Joseph, pursuant to the recommendation of the late convention of minis- 
ters at Charleston, chosen by themselves. 

3c/. Because we are confirmed in the truth and propriety of our objec- 
tions to the said Joseph by the conduct of his advocates, in rejecting the 
only equitable means of fairly determining upon the subject in controver- 
sy, and are constrained to believe their refusal arises from an apprehen- 



[ 68 ] 

sion that the result of such an investigation would be unfavourable to their 
wishes. 

We do therefore solemnly protest against the introduction of the said 
Joseph among us, as a measure of deleterious effect, tending to conse- 
quences hazardous, if not fatal, to domestic peace and harmony in this 
society. 

Under these impressions, and the sanction of the constitution, we de- 
termine not to contribute towards the support of the said Joseph, but to 
provide a public teacher for ourselves during- the time the said Joseph 
«hall be employed as aforesaid 

To this Protest and Declaration we wish all due publicity to be given, 
and desire the same may be entered on the parish records as an evidence 
of our intentions here expressed. 

Hingham, March 8, 1806. 
[Signed by sixty-two males, and twenty females who pay taxes.] 

[No. XXVII.] 

Hingham, April 4, 1806. 
To Gen. Benjamin Lincoln and others, protestors againt the proceedings 
of the North Parish in Hingham, in calling Joseph Richardson to the pas- 
toral care of the Church and Congregation of said Parish. 
As the allegations, contained in your «' solemn protest" against my 
moral character, remain still unsupported by proper evidence, before any 
impartial tribunal chosen by the parties concerned ; I now am authorised, 
by the consent of my friends, to make you this proposition of a method of 
adjusting all differences respecting my moral character. 

That a reference, consisting of five gospel ministers, be chosen in the 
following manner, and with the following restrictions, viz. — 

1. That the parties agree in choosing a moderator. 

2. That the others be chosen, two by the opposers, and two by the 
friends. 

3. That no other question be submitted to the consideration of said re- 
ference than this : — Whether my moral character be found by investigation 
really such as to disqualify me, or render me an unsuitable person, for 
the office of a gospel minister. 

4. That the parties obligate themselves to abide by the result of said 
reference. Should the result determine my moral character to be such 
as disqualifies me for the office of a gospel minister, then are my friends 
obligated to relinquish me. If on the other hand the reference determine 
my moral character and conduct in life to be such as not to disqualify me 
for the office aforesaid, then are all my opposers bound to relinquish all 
opposstion to my settlement as the gospel minister of the North Parish 
in Hingham. 

5. That if either of the parties decline producing their evidence, it shall 
be considered as entirely giving up the cause of that party. 

To Gen. B. Lincoln. 

Sir — Be pleased to communicate the within written proposition to the 
aforementioned protestors, and favour me with information of their res- 
olutions on the subject. With due respect, 

Gen. B. Lincoln. JOSEPH RICHARDSON. 

[No. XXVIII. ] 

Sir, Hingham, April 15, 1806. 

Your letter of the 4th instant, addressed to Gen. Lincoln and others, 
containing overtures for the settlement of existing difficulties in this pa- 
rish, has been attentively considered, and has had all the reflection be- 
stowed on it which its importance demanded. 



t 69 ] 

Your opposers have ever been anxious to restore the peace and harmo- 
ny of the parish, and to settle all differences in a just, honourable and 
equitable manner, and embrace, with pleasure, this opportunity to renew 
the assurance of these their wishes. The undersigned are instructed 
to inform you, that they are entirely willing" to comply with the recom- 
mendation of the ministers who some time since assembled at Charles- 
town at the request of yourself and friends, in calling a regular ecclesi- 
astical council, to assemble in the meeting-house in this parish, for the 
purposes expressed by them ; but, as it appears to be the particular wish, 
of yourself and friends, that a reference, consisting of ordained ministers 
of the gospel, should be substituted instead of a council, they agree there- 
to, on conditian that it consist of a suiUble number, equally chosen by 
the parties, to assemble at the place and for the purposes aforesaid. 

Should the foregoing principles meet your wishes, the parties may 
hereafter agree on the mode of carrying the same into effect. 
With due consideration, 

N. RICE, 1 

THOMAS LORING, | 
ABNER LINCOLN, }► Committee, 
ROBERTTHAXTER, | 
JEROM CUSHING, J 

' [ No. XXIX. ] 

Charlestonm, February 25, 1806. 
The undersigned ministers, being invited by the North Parish in Hing- 
nam, and by Mr. Joseph Richardson, to investigate his moral character, 
having read a remonstrance of the dissatisfied people in said Hingham, 
but no persons appearing to support said allegations, we are utterly unable 
to form any judgment upon the subject ; and are constrained to reconv 
mend it to Mr, Richardson and the people in Hingham, as the only regu- 
lar expedient for settling their differences, to convene a mutual ecclesi- 
astical council to judge and decide upjn. all matters of dispute among 
them relative to Mr. Richardson. 

A true copy of the result of said ministers. 

Attest. EDMUND FOSTER. 

[ No. XXX. ] 

Sir, Hingham, March 15, 1806. 

Having considered the proposition brought forward yesterday at the 
parish meeting by Col. Rice, with that seriousness which the importance 
of the subject requires, respecting the opposers of Mr. Richardson assem- 
bling in our meeting-house wiih another minister ; we are induced to say 
that it is not only our own, but it is the opinion of the present supporters 
of Mr. Richardson, that such a measure would lead to great confusion, 
and be the means of much disturbance on the Lord's day. We therefore, 
at the request of a number of the inhabitants of said parish, feei it our 
duty to deny, and do forbid the opening of the meeting-house before the 
usual time, and continuing it open after the usual timer on Sunday. 

SOLOMON JONES, ~) Committee 
To Jacob ThaxterJ JEDEDIAH LINCOLN, C of the 

Sexton. \ JOHN LE AVI TT, \ North Parish. 



[ No. XXXI. ] 

Bingham,, April 16, 1806. 
Messrs. Nathan Rice, Thomas Loring, Abner Lincoln, Robert Thaxter, and 
Jcrom Gushing, a Committee. 
Gentlemen— Your letter of the 15th instant is received. It is the 
opinion of a number of my friends, and without hesitation my own, that 



[ 76 ] 

it is improper for us to make any reply to your propositions, until you fa- 
vour us with a posiiive determination whether you will or will not adopt 
our proposition. Be pleased, Gentlemen, without delay, to favour me 
with a decision. Respectfully, vours, 

To the Committee. JOSEPH RICHARDSON. 

[ No. XXXII. ] 
Sir, Bingham, April 19, 1806. 

In reply to yours of the 16th instant, we would observe, that our com- 
munication of the 15th was predicated on the recommendation of the 
ministers who assembled at Charlestown at the particular request of you 
and your friends, where they declare it to be the only regular expedient 
for settling our differences, and which is perfectly consonant with our own 
sentiments. No reasons have since occurred to induce us to alter our 
opinion : we would now only say, that we decidedly adhere to the prin- 
ciples contained in the communication. You, Sir, can judge whether 
they are conformable to those propositions offered by you. 
With due consideration, &c. 

By order of the Committee* 
To Mr. Joseph Richardson. N. RICE. 

[ No. XXXIII. ] 

We the subscribers, a committee duly appointed at a legal meeting* 
of the North Parish in Hingham to contract with Mr. Joseph Richardson 
as the public teacher of religion in said parish, hereby certify, that we 
have attended that duty by presenting him an attested copy of the votes 
of said parish, and have received his answer of compliance with the con- 
ditions of the same. 

Hingham, March 13, 1806. THOMAS FE A RING,") 

JACOB LEAVITT, 
HAWKES FEARING, i Com- 
SETH LINCOLN, \ mittee. 
* This was a constitutional JOHN MARSH, 

wieetitig, held March 8, 1806. LAB AN HE ARSE Y, J 

[ No. XXXIV.] 

To Messrs. Thomas Fearing, Jacob Leavitt, Hawke? Fearing, Seth Lin* 

coin, John Marshy Ezra Lincoln, and Laban Hearsey. 
Gentlemen, 

Being presented by your hands an attested copy of the votes passed 
at a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the said parish in Hingham, on 
Saturday the eighth day of March, 1806, authorising you, Gentlemen, as 
a committee of said parish, to contract with me as the public teacher of 
religion in the said parish ; I hereby certify a free acceptance of the ap- 
pointment as the public teacher of religion in the .said parish, and a firm, 
obligation to comply with all the conditions stated in said votes, or refer- 
red to as stated in the invitation previously presented to me to settle as a 
gospel minister of said parish. This I do, Gentlemen, not without a sol- 
emn sense of responsibility to the important trust reposed in me to pro- 
mote the present and future well-being of this people, with a humble re- 
liance on the support and direction of that Being to whose service I thus 
devote my life, and to whom I trust we unite our prayer, that our imper- 
fect endeavours to advance his cause, may be crowned with abundant 
success. Gentlemen, with affectionate regard, 

Yours, 
JOSEPH RICHARDSON, 



t ?l ] 
I No, XXXV. ] 

To WHOM IT CONCERNS. 

We tlie subscribers certify, that we are acquainted with Miss Betsy 
Robinson, of Westford, that she has ever sustained a strictly moral and 
virtuous reputation ; and, as far as our knowledge extends, while receiv- 
ing- the attention of Mr. Joseph Richardson, never permitted the addres- 
ses of any other person. Signed by 
Kov. 6, 1805. Rev. CALEB BLAKE, ") 

Dr. CHARLES PROCTER, C xr /Jf 
And .by ZACC. WRIGHT, Esq. 5 Net ^ bours ' 

Benjamin Osgood, Esq. John Abbot, Esq. Luther Lincoln, Samuel Fletcher t 
Alrijah Reed, Timothy Prescott, Zacchcus Reed. — Samuel Reed, jun. 
Jeremiah Hildreth, Isaiah Prescott — Selectmen. 

[ No. XXXVI. ] 
This is to certify that I, Titus Theodore Barton, of FitchbuKg, had, 
when I lived at Tewksbury, some knowledge of the attention which Mr. 
Joseph Richardson paid to Miss Betsy Robinson, of Westford. The 
said Joseph had put himself under my tuition to fit for college. After 
he had been with me perhaps a year, I was informed that he was attend- 
ing to Miss Robinson, whereupon, according to the best of my recollec- 
tion, I conversed with and informed him of the impropriety of attending 
to two so important objects as courting a wife and obtaining an education 
at the same time, and advised him to suspend the courtship until after he 
had completed his education. In reply to my reasoning, according to the 
^est of my recollection, the said Joseph represented to me that he had 
advanced in the courtship too far to go back. If I do not greatly misre- 
member, what he said made this impression on my mind, that he viewed 
himself under obligations to the said Betsy, as binding as could precede 
marriage ; whereupon I gave up a rule with scholars, as it respected said 
Joseph, which I never departed from in any other case ; viz. that young 
gentlemen, while under my tuition, should pay no particular attention to 
young ladies ; and conducted toward him differently in that respect, from 
what I did toward other scholars. He frequently had my horse and 
chaise to visit her, and wait on her to visit h*is and her relations. 

[ No. XXXVII. ] 

Sin, Westford, June, 1803. 

I have received a letter from your hand that disturbs me exceedingly, 
for I know not, nor I cannot imagine, the cause of your so doing. It con- 
tained these words ; " Friend, place no more confidence in the subscri- 
ber, but for God's sake forgive him ! ! !" 

Is it possible it came from you, whom I thought, and ever have had 
the greatest reason to believe, my true and loyal friend ? Can it be pos- 
sible you wish to dissolve connection with me ? I cannot believe it, as it 
is what I never thought of. If you had thought or wished for any such 
thing, so much honour as you always professed, I think you must have 
come and told me yourself, and have given me the reasons for such un- 
expected disappointment— I should not think of you as I now do, perhaps, 
a cfcuel, unmerciful man. Had you come and wished for me to release you, 
and give up the idea of considering you any longer as a companion, and 
given me sufficient reasons for your so doing, I think it likely we might 
have agreed to have parted in peace and content, for I hope I shall never 
wish to connect myself with the person that dislikes me. But what your 
reasons are I know not, therefore 1 cannot give up the thoughts of seeing 
you again, and knowing your reasons for so doing. Believe me, friend, i 
shall feel very anxious and uneasy until I see you. Believe me your 
true but much disturbed friend, ' BETSY ROBINSON, 



[ 72 ] 

Middlesex, ss. June 28, 1305. 

Then the above named Betsy Robinson appeared and made oath, that 
the foregoing letter is a true copy of a letter sent by her to Joseph Rich- 
ardson, according to her best recollection ; and that no separation was 
ever proposed or mentioned by her before the letter written to her above 
referred to, in the words " Friend, place no more confidence in the sub- 
" scriber, but for God's sake forgive him." 

Before JOHN ABBOT, Justice of the Peace. 

A trice copy from the original. 

[No. XXXVIII. ] 

Westford, August, 1803. 
Well, Mr. External Saint, as you once used to appear, but now In- 
ternal Elf; you row have put in practice what I always heard you con* 
demn. People say yoa can now wait on your sweetheart to balls, and 
spend evenings where there is music and dancing. I have heard you say 
any person that practised such things was going immediately to hell. 
You say the person whom you now are partial to, does not approve of 
such conduct. Indeed I presume she does not. Tou know that there is 
not a person of respectability that would justify it. It is said, that you 
lie to every one w ho says any thing to you about your misconduct, and 
.are deceitful beyond expression. If you were not void of justice and 
feeling, I should thirik you would tremble at the precipice on which you 
istand, if what 1 have lately heard you have said is true ; as I have not the 
least doubt but it is, concerning your not breaking any promises, which 
you know is false. I think you are one of the most unrighteous wretches 
that ever had an existence in a Christian land. You once professed a 
great deal of honour and principle ; but ydu have shewn none in your late 
treatment to me. 1 think you might have come and told me your inlcn* 
lions yourself, and not sent me that little short scrawl of an imposition 
that you did. You are now become one of the worst of all the human, 
species. Do you expect any thing better than the curses of God to fol- 
low you, after such conduct ? Any person that has so repeatedly sworn, 
and solemnly promised to perform any vow, of whatever nature, as you 
have, and withal wished the curses of God to follow them if they did not 
perform to the utmost of their ability, must, if they voluntarily break 
their promises, expect the curses of God to follow them. This is just 
yours, exactly your case, and what you have done. You knew not what 
would be the result of such an unexpected overturn. Why, you knew not 
but it would prove fatal to me, as well as to others, that have been treated 
in like manner. You knew not but it would deprive me of life, or happi- 
ness. Therefore you are as bad as a murderer to disappoint me in such 
manner. I hear you promise yourself great happiness in the new connec- 
tion you are forming; however, ycu may be disappointed as well as I. 
Your" happiness is not certain. Any person that has publicly made a 
profession of the most serious importance, to conduct in such an ungrateful 
manner as you have done, I think will meet with his disagreeables. If 
you appear openly to the world to flourish and be happy, I think you 
will have your late conduct to haunt your mind, that will make you un- 
happy. You know that you have repeatedly said, that you felt yourself 
as sincerely and as strongly engaged, as ever any man could, and that, 
if you had been married for years, you could not feel more sincerely en- 
gaged than you did. And you know that you have repeatedly sw r orn ne- 
ver to leave me nor forsake me through life ; but in all situations to abide 
by me till Death should part us : and now you have broken all those pro- 
mises, without giving me the least reason for so doing. You are one of 
the most inhuman wretches that ever lived. Strch treatment is too 



[ 73 ] 

mttch to endure from one whom I thought my friend. You are cruel- 
ler than the grave. I hope your conduct will- be a means of your feel- 
ing unhappy. I wish it might turn on your own head, that you may feel 
it sensibly. You are worse than a wolf in sheep's clothing', and full of 
deceit as"au evil spirit. However, I hope you will, for I think you have 
it \ef to do, that fcr, make your peace with God before you die ; but I 
care little for your happiness in this life, ibr you know your conduct has 
been cruel to htr that was your friend.* 

To Mr. Joseph Richardson. Bi^TSi: ROBINSON. 

Middlesex, ss. June%$, 1806. 

Then the aforenamed Betsy Robins, n appeared, and made oath that 
the foregoing- letter is a true copy of a fet'tei by her sent to Joseph Rich- 
ardson, according to her best recollection. 

Before JOHN A.si BOT, Justice, of the Peace. 

J true copy from the original. 

* This and the foregoing letter were taken from the original copies of those 
sent in consequence of his — " Friend, put no more confidence in the subscriber, 
&c." 

[ No. XXXIX. ] 

I, John Robinson, of Westford, in the County of Middlesex, do de- 
pose and say, that about the first of June, 1803, after my sister Betsy Ro- 
binson had received from Joseph Richardson a very short letter, I went 
to see said Richardson, and asked him what he meant by said letter ; he 
said he did not know, he had gotten into a deep study, into a long pasture, 
arid did not know how to get out of it. Further I asked him if it was any 
thing my sister Betsey had done or said, or anything he had heard about 
her : he replied it was not, that he liked her as well as he ever did, and 
had reason to respect her. I then remarked to said Richardson, You 
then never intended to marry her, but keep her along in suspense till you 
had gotten through college-, and then leave her: he replied, it was no 
such thing ; he did intend to marry her, and it was but a short time since 
he had thoughts of leaving her. I then said, You must -know it is undoing 
her- He said, It i3 undoing myself. I requested him to call and see my 
sister ; he said it could be of no consequence. I told him I thought it 
would, and urged him so much, he gave me to understand he would. Said 
Richardson did not come, and in about one fortnight I went to see him 
again, and said to him, You have not made it in your way to call yet. Ke 
skid, No, I have not, for it can be of no consequence. I told him it 
would really be of consequence, for my sister Betsy wished to see him for 
a few minutes, to know the meaning of such treatment. I then asked 
him if he had been at home lately. He said, No, his father-in-law had 
called to see him, and appeared to be anxious about something, and re- 
quested him to go home, for his mother wished to see him very much, J 
then asked him if he had been home since his father called on him :. he 
said, No, he dared not go, for he heard that his friends atTewksbury had 
said he was as much worse than the devil, as the devil was worse than a 
common good Christian. And he was afraid if he went home they would 
catch him and tar and feather him. JOHN ROBINSON. 

Middlesex, ss. June 28, 1806. 

Then the abovenamed John Robinson made oath that the above facts 
subscribed are true, according to his best recollection. 

Before JOHN ABBQT, . Justice of the Peace. 

A true copy from the original. 

K 



t 74 ] 

[No. XL. ] 

Mr. Richardson, in what lie calls his letter of defence, expresses himself 
to the following effect : — As it respects the affair with Dr. Morse, which 
has' led to measures calculated both to injure his character, and deprive 
him even of the means to get his bread, he went to the Doctor, not for ad- 
vice, but, as he was a clergyman of the town, merely as a compliment; 
that Dr. Morse spoke to him without enjoining confidence ; that 
he (the Doctor) said Mr. Jefferson was an infidel, and his support- 
ers^ men generally void of principle : that the republican party in 
Charlestown were generally unprincipled, weak, and ignorant men : 
and that Mr. Richardson would be sorry for joining them : that two of 
the trustees in particular were vile, wicked and unprincipled men : that 
what Mr. Ely had written respecting his going to Dr. Morse was false : 
that Ely had frequently said the republicans were generally knaves and 
dupes, of the former of which Mr. Richardson was one, and frequently 
provoked him with such language : that Mr. Parker visited a scandalous 
house in Boston, and when he (Richardson) was passing without, 
mentioned his being a young clergyman in Charlestown, thereby making 
it to appear to persons of ill fame, that he visited such houses or places : 
that Mr. Parker would frequently be mentioning these matters, particu- 
larly at table, and before strangers, after he had been repeatedly request- 
ed rot to : that the subject of dispute betwixt himself and Parker arose 
from Parker's applying the character of a certain Quaker to him, which 
was without foundation, for which he gave him the lie, and called him 
puppy, and left the table : that when he went out to school, Mr. Parker 
desired an explanation, and on his refusing to retract what lie had before 
said, Parker struck him with a little stick, on which he took Parker by 
the collar and held him. That the statement of the affair made by Tuck- 
erman, is all false, scandalous, and beneath contempt : that as to Messrs. 
Rockwood's and Hoar's, it is no more then that he has enemies who calum- 
niate hischaracter; that although he treated them with respect'whilst board- 
ing together, they were dissatisfied, which induced him to leave the 
house ; after which, the landlord and wife expressed to him their satis- 
faction of his condirct whilst boarding there, and their regret at his leav- 
ing leaving them ; and the gentlemen's sorrow for their conduct towards 
him, and requested for him to return back again ; but as he had engaged 
another place, he did not, and offered that as the reason. 

%* The reader is requested carefully to compare this with the story re- 
lated by Mr. Charles Lincoln, and the one told to Mr. Jotham Lincoln, jun. 
on Mr, Richardson's coming to town, after the mailer had been brought 
up in the parish meeting, October 14, 1805. The same relation he makes 
in this defence with regard to his leaving Mr. Adams's house, Mr. Charles 
Lincoln told with his first talc, and said he had it from Mr. Richardson, 
and connected it with Mr. Parker's affray, so as to lead some to think 
they both happened at one and the same house, and that those gentlemen 
were displeased with Mr. Richardson merely for being a clergyman. 

[ No. XLT. ] 

I hereby certify, that Mr. Joseph Richardson boarded at my house 
some time in the year 1804, and that his general conduct toward myself 
and family was perfectly satisfactory to me ; but that, in consequence of 
his declaring it to be a principle with him in certain instances to divulge 
communications of a confidential nature, and his having practised upon 
.that principle in an affair relating to the Rev. Dr. Morse, several gentle- 
men who boarded with me at the same time passed a unanimous vote to 
exclude Mr. Richardson from their society, and he accordingly left the 
house. And whereas it has been reported that the gentlemen afterwards 



.. t 75 3 

expressed a wish for the return of Mr. Richardson, I also certify, that I 
never informed Mr. Richardson that the said gentlemen wished for hi3 
return under existing circumstances ; and am fully persuaded that his re- 
turn would have been the signal for them to change their lodgings. 

Charleston?*- June 27, 1806. A. ADAMS. 

I further certify, that I have no idea that the aforesaid gentlemen ever 
requested the return of Mr. Richardson under any circumstances what- 
ever ; but think it probable that suitable apoligies on his part might have 
produced a reconciliation. A. ADAMS. 

Suffolk, ss. June 30, 1806. 

Then personally appeared A.ADAMS, within named, and madp 
solemn oath to the truth of tke declarations bv him subscribed, 

Before me, JOHN HEARD, Jun. Jus. Peace, 
A true copy from the original. 

[ No. XLII. ] 

Billerica, June 22, 1806. 
Gentlemen and Fellow-Christians, 

I have received your letter, in behalf of the North Church in Hingv 
ham s requesting my attendance with a delegate from the church of which 
I am pastor, on Wednesday, July 2, 1806, to assist in the ordination of 
a gospel minister. 

It is painful to my feelings to inform you, that, conceiving it to be in- 
consistent with a due regard to myself, in my advanced stage of life, to 
comply with your request, I am obliged to decline it. 1 have fallen into 
the eve of life, and very sensibly feel the decay of health and vigour, and 
the debilities of old age, which cannot but render the service, which you 
request, very burdensome and fatiguing; especially considering the heat 
of the seasofc, and the distance of Hingham from Billerica, and more es- 
pecially the perplexity of the business ; which, from the circumstances 
of your affairs, I suppose must come before the council prior to the ordi- 
nation, which will necessarily require too close and lengthy attention ^br 
the present state of my mind and faculties. For these and some other 
reasons that might be mentioned, Avhich however do not respect Mr. 
Richardson, but concern only myself, I am obliged to excuse myself from 
the service you request. 

I communicated your letter to the Church, who, supposing, as I should 
decline 1 attending for the reasons aforesaid, it would answer no good pur- 
pose to send a delegate, thought it best not to come to a choice, and ac- 
cordingly dismissed the business. My letters respecting Mr. Richards 
son, to Dr. Morse and others, of which you have copies> sufficiently ex- 
press the favourable ideas I entertained concerning him when he left Bil- 
lerica. They show that his character then stood fair in my view ; and 
although it has since been impeached by heavy charges, contained in a 
remonstrance or protest of his opposers in Hingham ; yet, while he is ready 
to submit to a thorough investigation, and wishes for a fair trial before an 
impartial tribunal, but cannot obtain it, let common sense decide, whether 
those unsupported criminations ought to be considered as evidence that 
he has forfeited his former reputation. 

I most heartily wish you, and your pastor elect, divine guidance and 
direction ; and devoutly pray, that when the contemplated sacred con- 
nexion between him and you shall be formed, it may produce an happy 
source of mutual blessings and comforts, till Providence shall dissolve 
the important tie. Accept, Brethren, 

My respectful consideration. 

HENRY CUMMINGS, 
Messrs. Thomas Fearing, Isaac pushing & Seth Lincoln, 



I W 3 

[. No. XLIII. ] 

DeAk Sir, Billerica, August 12, 1806. 

Your committee, I presume, have received my letter in answer to 
theirs of the 26th of June last; in which I assigned reasons of sufficient 
weight in my mind, for my not appearing on the council called to ordain 
Mr Richardson. 

Yours of the 7"th instant is now before me, in which you state that one 
of the ordaining council observed, that (l 1 had now given Mr. Richard- 
'« son a recommendation, and then read an extract from my letter, to 
'« the following purpose : ' What shall we think of charges alleged a- 
«* gainst Mr. Richardson, when he has earnestly endeavoured and desir- 
l( ed to have an impartial investigating council, but could never obtain 
«' it.' I will give you the whole paragraph in my letter to the committee 
of the Church, (as ihey styled themselves) to which* I suppose, the gen- 
tleman must have referred ; and then you may judge for yourself, wheth- 
er it can bear the construction he was pleased to put upon it. 

" My letters respecting Mr Richardson to Dr. Morse and others, of 
" which you have copies, sufficiently express the favourable ideas I en- 
" tertained concerning him, when he left Billerica. They show that his 
" character then stood fair in my view ,- and though it has since been im- 
**■ peached by heavy charges, contained in the remonstrance or protest of 
" his opposers in Hingham ; yet, while he is ready to submit to a thorough 
" investigation, and wishes for a fair trial before an impartial tribunal, 
«« but cannot obtain it, let common sense decide, whether those unsup- 
" ported criminations ought to be considered sufficient evidence that he 
*' has forfeited his former reputation." 

In what part of this paragraph do you find any other recommendation 
of Mr. Richardson, than that he left Billerica with a fair character, in 
my view ? As to reports that have since been circulated to his disadvan- 
tage, and the things alleged against him in your remonstrance, it has 
been my uniform advice, to refer them to the judgment and decision of a 
council, or of any other tribunal ; in the choice of which, the parties con- 
cerned should have an equal voice. If I have rightly understood Mr, 
Richardson, he has been ready and desirous to submit to a thorough in- 
vestigation and trial, but could not succeed according to his wishes. — 
Proceeding on this supposition, I say, " let common sense decide &c." 
I do not assert positively, as my decided opinion, that Mr. Richardson 
had, in fact, been ready, ifc. My language is obviously hypothetical ; 
as if, instead of the words "while he is ready," I had said, supposing he i* 
ready, or, so Jong as hz remains ready, Isfc. The extract which you men- 
tion, is neither in my words nor expressive of my meaning. 

X understood there had been proposals for a council or tribunal, mu- 
tually chosen ; but whether Mr. Richardson, or his opposers, or adherents,, 
have defeated such proposals, by clogging them with unreasonable pre- 
liminaries, as a condition of submitting the matters aforesaid, is best 
known to themselves. The consequences of the proceedings and result 
of the ordaining council, time will discover. With my best wishes for 
your personal happiness, and the peace and welfare of the good people 
in Hingham, and with the most respectful consideration, 

I am, Sir, 

Your sincere friend, 

Mr. A. Lincoln. HENRY CUMMINGS- 

E No. XL1V. ] 

Miss Betsy, 

Having a convenient opportunity, I improve this time in writing these 
few lines ; and as 1 can take more pleasure than in attending on balls, or m 



[ 77 ] 

being in any person's company , / think it more advantageous. Although f 
lately bad the pleasure of seeing you, yet I think it may be an advantage to 
write to one another, if agreeable ; and I shall be glad to hear from you of- 
tener than I can see you. I had rather devote my time to that purpose, than 
attend to any amusement whatever. I did lately attempt to spend an even- 
ing where there was music and dancing-, but I could not take any satis- 
faction in it, and left the company immediately. Those are welcome to 
it, who wish to enjoy it. I find it is vain, by experience ; and every can- 
did mind must acknowledge it to be so. I wish not to flatter any person, 
I only wish to have the matter weighed in the minds of those who practise 
it. 1 hope you will not be offended at my writing in this manner, for I 
hope it is from a true charitable disposition, and I hope you will receive 
these lines from, Trie as a token of friendship, for I have nothing worse in 
view than to promote the happiness of a person in high estimation. Thus 
I inform you, hoping you are in good health, as I am. I hope you will 
soon write to me, as I shall be happy in writing to you. 1 shall improve 
the first opportunity to visit you. I shall come with Mr. and Mrs. Wood, 
if not disappointed ; yet it is uncertain, as we know not what may happen. 
1 hope I can put my trust in the hand of a just God, therefore I subscribe 
myself, JOSEPH RICHARDSON. 

Superscribed, Miss Betsy Robinson, Wes-tford, 
Tewksbury, December 3, 1797. 

A true copy from the original. 

[ No. XLV. ] 

Benign Friend, Hanover, September 22, 1798. 

I now engage my attention to write the ties of permanent friendship, as I 
trust I may with immediate confidence. 1 trust you are well, as when I saw 
you, which is not long since. I am now in an agreeable situation. Al- 
though gained with some fatigue, my journey was very good in some in- 
stances ; such as a prospect of anew part of the world. To view this 
extensive orb of the world, covered with lofty hills, adorned with verdant 
groves ; the valleys veil'd ; the liver's cascades with sweeping torrents, 
all fill the mind with ideas sublime — raise a thought which transcends 
many delusive appearances, when we contemplate they were formed by the 
pure hartd of a perfect God. I am now in good health since I arrived. I 
have also passed examination, and found it to be very favourable ; although 
I was exceedingly pressed with timidity. Friday morning I arrived, Sat- 
urday we were invited to breakfast with one of the professors ; then ex- 
amined *md invited to see the president; who, with great affability, of- 
fered his best services. Thus I conclude, with respect, 

Your ceaseless friend, 

JOSEPH RICHARDSON. 
N. B. Be pleased to give my love to Mr. and Mrs. Wood. 

Superscribed, Miss Betsy Robinson, Tewksbury. 
A true copy from the original. 

[ No. XLVI. ] 

Congenial Friend, Dartmouth College, Jidy, 1806. 

Notwithstanding I am surrounded with business which is of importance 
and agreeable, yet I can, with less difficulty than what my friends appear 
to labour under, divert my attention with pleasure to them, and employ 
many agreeable moments in reflection. 

The sources of all our ideas are sensation and reflection ; but we may 
perceive and reflect all our days, and by concealing the exercises of our 
minds, nobody become either happier or wiser ; and I do not conceive 
that we ourselves are : for a great part of human happiness consists in a 



[ rt 3 

reciprocal intercourse among friends. ITot thai I am j and of an tnsiprd 
fondness ; but the expressions of a lively and genuine soul. 

Were my mind as much confined as is my body, 1 should be an unhap- 
py wretch indeed •, but it soars aloft on the pinions of imagination, and 
contemplates not only the glories of this world, but a. fairer world. How- 
ever, perhaps I enjoy health superiour to almost any, and doubtless su- 
perior to some, which blessing 1 know not how to prize. I trust you 
do ; but I hope your mind is tranquil, and enjoys a certain serenity which 
is not derived from any temporal contemplations. Upon the whole, I 
must confess that I am happier here, than among my relations, being 
more secluded from all intercourse, except with a few particular inti- 
mates, whose company is not only agreeable, but edifying; whereas* 
when I am at home, I naturally fall into different kind of company, and 
old habits, of which I wish to be entirely divested ; such as a night-gath- 
ering of my mates, and some insignificant plays, which are neither cal- 
culated to improve the mind, nor afford the least matter of happy reflec- 
tion. Under present circumstances, I am much happiest in a solitary 
life. The situation of my brother made me more unhappy at home than 
I am here, as my mind is more employed about other things ; but I can 
sympathise with my parents ; I know what their feelings must be. Not 
but that I have as high a value for my friends as ever I had. My friend, 
your welfare is nearest my heart. Though no person is possessed cf a spirit 
of more general philanthropy, yet no person's affections centre more immedi- 
ately in one person. However, lest I shall give reasons for your thinking 
me an impostor, I forbear. 

The young man who was sick of a fever, survived ; but the yourg man 
in a consumption is at the last extremity, on the verge of eternity. It 
does not seem to be sickly with any contagion ; but a number are exer- 
cised with consumptive complaints. 

Please to give my compliments to every inquiring friend. Favour me 
with a letter to *^*ikV»*»-rny happiness. Be faithful to yourself, as well 
as others, and I wif] remain also faithful. 

Miss B. Robinson. JOSEPH RICHARDSON. 

Superscribed, Miss Betsy Robinson, Tewisbury. 
By the politeness of") 

Mr. Blood. $ Copy from the original. 

[There were a number more of letters to the same purpose, which it is 
needless to insert here.'] 

[ No. XLVir, ] 

Friend, Billerica, May 21, 1803 ; 

Place no more confidence in the subscriber, but for God's sake forgive 
him ! ! ! JOSEPH RICHARDSON. 

Miss B. Robinson. 

Superscribed, Miss Betsy Robinson, Wesiford. 
Copy from the original. 

I No. XLVIII. ] 

Charlestown, September 24, 1804. 
Well, I hope you are gratified with your revenge, having done all in 
your power to ruin me. You have published your own weakness to the 
world, and gained no equivalent for the sacrifice you have made. Still 
the worst is your own in revenge. Not a motion has been made on my 
part to injure you. Scarcely have I been faithful in self defence ; for I 
bad too high an opinion of your good sense to suppose you could so much 
mistake your credit and happiness. Therefore I have not produced your 



[ 79 ] 

last letters. I have summoned tvo evidence of your conversation, which, 
has been sufficient to defeat your plan. When the verdict was to be giv- 
en by a jury, two of whom belonged to Westford, I objected not ; and 
when one of your own evidences testified of your having received atten- 
tions from a man at Washington, who went so far as to offer you mar- 
riage, still no exertion was made on my part to magnify your folly. 

At last you obtained judgment against me ; whidi I think will never 
be satisfied according to your expectations. 

Since you have proceeded so far in the offensive war, y.cu cannot es- 
teem me dishonourable if I extrt my strength in the defensive. This I 
presume I shall do to the utmost ot my power. I will see what virtue 
there is in some of your letters. We will see whether this expression 
has no meaning : '« I require nothing of you but to call, as I think you 
can do no less, and give me a reason for your conduct." " To see you 
a few minutes is all I ask." I believe you have said, " If he had only 
called and given his reasons for leaving me, it is all I want of the dirty 
villain." 

I do not wish to contend with you, for a victory in my own favour ia a 
case of this nature would be an inglorious conquest. If after all 'you 
should get your cause at the Supreme Court, which I will not warrant, I 
shall answer all your pretended obligations in thirty days, according to 
the best desires of my heart, and shall rejoice to be freed at any rate from 
revengeful woman. 

I am willing to be generous with regard to cost, which has occurred to 
this time, so far as is in my power ; but all ideas of any penalty I despise, 
and will therefore perish before I will yield to an unjust claim. 

Contend as much as you please, the worst fruit of contention will still 
be your own. 

I never have hated you, nor do I wish to hate you, but I fear you will 
force me to the exercise of that base passion. I am, 

Miss Betsy Robinson. JOSEPH RICHARDSON. 

Superscribed, Miss Betsy Robinson,- Westfqrd. 

A true copy from the original. 

[ No. XLIX, ] 
Gen. Bekjamin Lincoln, Singham, June 27, 1806. 

Sir — Your name is at the head of many others, pledged to support 
several highly coloured allegations prejudicial to my character, contained 
in a protest against the proceedings of the inhabitants of the North Pa* 
rish in Hingham in calling me to settle as their gospel minister. 

On Tuesday the first day of July next a council will convene in Hing- 
ham at the house of Mr. Hawkes Fearing. Before that council I am 
prepared to meet my accusers face to face, and to be judged concerning 
the charges ycu alledge against me. 

Sir, I call on you and the other protestors to produce your evidences 
in support of these charges. Sir, I appeal to the tribunal of your own 
conscience, whether principles of uprightness, of integrity and honour, 
do not most solemnly demand that you support those charges, wounding 
to my name, or suffer me to obtain the justice of an acquittal. 

With due respect, 
Gen. B. Lincoln. JOSEPH RICHARDSON. 

, t No. L. ] 

[The following is an extract from a report oj the proceedings of the council for 
Mr. jRichardson's ordination, iS'c. made to the opposition, by their commit' 
tee appointed to represent them before that council.] 
'* Mr. Adams, from Acton, states, that he was in company with Mr. 

Richardson at Concord a few months before he came to preach in this 



( 80 ] 

place :— that Mr. R, then expressed himself to this effect — that he had 
quitted preaching- because he despised the clergy and the profession, and 
appeared to wish the company to understand that lie was ashamed of ever 
having- had any connexion with the clerical order. — Mr. R. said he did 
not recollect ever to have said any such thing, or even to have seen Mr. 
Adams before, and wished him to state the place and circumstances 
when this declaration was made. Mr. A. accordingly stated the place, 
circumstances, and persons present, all which Mr. R. remembered, but 
said it was a new charge, which he was not prepared to answer, but had 
he known it in season he could have produced the persons who Mere 
present. 

[No. LI. ] 

Minutes of an Ecclesiastical Council convened at Hinghaniy Tuesday, July 1, 
1806, in consequence of letters missive from «' the aggrieved memkers, be- 
ing about one half of the First Church of Christ in Hi?igham." 
The following churches attended by their pastors and delegates, viz. 

That in the West Parish in Bridgewater ; Rev. John Feed D D. pas- 
tor. — That in the First Parish of Roxbury ; Rev. Eliphalet Porter, pastor, 
Dea. Joshua Felton, delegate. — That in Duxbury, Rev. John Alleyne, pas- 
tor, George Partridge Esq. delegate. — That in Dorchester; Rev. Thad- 
deus Mason Harris, pastor, Moses Everett, Esq. delegate. 

The council chose the Rev. Dr. Reed as moderator, and the Rev. Mr. 
Harris as scribe. 

The moderator then opened the meeting by prayer to Almighty God, 
for divine light, direction and guidance on the solemn occasion. 

The council next attended to a written statement of the difficulties and 
divisions which have taken place in this large and once happily united and 
prosperous church; with the motives which have influenced, the aggriev- 
ed members in their opposition to the call and settlement of Mr. Joseph 
Richardson. The proceedings of the church and parish were then stated, 
and certain records and documents produced, together with the repeated 
remonstrances of those of the church and parish who were opposed to 
Mr Richardson's settlement : all which being seriously deliberated 
upon, the council passed the following votes, viz. 

1. That they consider the aggrieved as having manifested a disposi. 
tion to adhere to, and prevent a departure from, the usages of the church- 
es in New-England in the call and settlement of gospel ministers. 

2. That they recommend to the aggrieved to solicit, that no determi- 
nation be had on the ordination of Mr. Richardson, until opportunity be 
afforded for calling a mutual council, to hear their objections, and judge 
of the propriety of his settlement under existing circumstances. 

3. That if disappointed in the request, and they cannot approve of_the 
ordination of Mr. Richardson, or hereafter conscientiously attend on his 
ministry, they be advised to pursue those measures which wisdom and 
prudence may dictate as the most likely means for ensuring the stated en- 
joyment of gospel ordinances, and the promotion of Christian edification 
among: them. 

The council having, as they trust, convened with no other disposition 
and view than to lend their aid in the promotion of Christian peace and 
order, and the advancement of pure and undented religion, cannot wil- 
lingly separate without expressing their sincere wishes and devout pray- 
ers on behalf of this ancient and respectable, but at present unhappily di- 
vided, Christian society and church of our Lord Jesus Christ ; that they 
may ever enjoy the divine protection, guidance and blessing, and, in a 
particular manner, in this season of their peculiar difficulty and trial, 



[ 81 ] 

that they may be under the prevailing influence of that heavenly wisdom 
which is fiw«t pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of 
mercy and good fruits, without partialitv and without hypocrisy. 

JOHN REED, Moderator. 
THADDEUS M. HARRIS, Scribe. 
A true copy from the original. 

[ No. LIL ] 

Tlie proceedings of an Ecclesiastical Council convened in the Third Congrega- 
tional Society in Hingham, Jtaie 16, 1807. 
The churches invited to assist on the occasion by their pastors and de- 
legates, were, those in Boston under the care of. Doctors Lathrop, Elliot 
and Kirklar.d, Mr Freeman, Mr. Emerson and Mr. Lowell ; in Bridge- 
water, the church under the pastoral care of Dr. Reed ; in Roxbury, un- 
der the care of Mr. Porter ; in Duxbury, under Mr. Alleyne ; in Dor- 
chester, under Mr. Harris ; in Quincy, under Mr. Whitney ; in Hing- 
ham, under Mr. Whitney; in Brookline, under Mr. Peirce ; in Cohas- 
set, under Mr. Flint ; in Chelsea, under Mr. Tuckerman ; and the Rev* 
Professor Ware. 

1. Voted that Dr. Elliot be moderator ; who opened the meeting by 
prayer. 

2. Voted that Mr. Whitney, of Quincy, be scribe. 

3. Attended to all the proceedings of the Third Society from the peri- 
od of their separation from the First Society. 

4. Read a remonstrance from Mr. Richardson's society against the 
church, connected with the Third Congregational Society in Hingham, 
assuming the style of the First Church in Hingham. After some dis- 
cussion of the subject, the church withdrew, and unanimously agreed to 
take the style of the Third Church in Hingham ; not, however, as being 
induced to do it from the remonstrance, which they considered to be fun- 
damentally erroneous hi its statements, but merely to prevent any alterca- 
tion in future. The council also considered this to be their sole motive 
for the measure. 

5. Attended to the invitation of this society to Mr. Colman to settle 
with them, and his answer. 

6. Attended to a letter from Dr. Smith, certifying Mr. Colman to be a 
member of the church of Christ in Hanover ; and his approbation for 
preaching, from the President and Professor of Dartmouth College. 

7. Voted, that Mr. Whitney of Hingham be requested to admit Mr. 
Colman into the Third Church in Hingham. Mr. Whitney informed the 
council that he had performed their request. 

8. Having considered the literary, moral and religious qualifications of 
Mr. Colman for the important work to which he was devoting himself — ■ 
voted unanimously, that this council are fully satisfied with his attain- 
ments and views, and are prepared to assign the performances for his or- 
dination. 

9. Voted, that Dr. Lathrop be requested to give the charge : that Mr. 
Whitney of Hingham express the fellowship of the churches : that Drs. 
Elliot and Reed make the introductory and ordaining prayers as they 
shall agree ; and that Mr. Alleyne, of Duxbury, make the concluding 
prayer. 

10. Voted to adjourn to the Derby Hall till half past 8 o'clock on the 
17th instant. 

June 17 — Met agreeable to adjournment, and passed the following vote 
[which was publicly read in the meeting-house by the moderator of the 
'council.] Voted, that this council* having attended to the proceedings 

L 



[ 82 ] 

of the Third Church and Society in Hingham relative to their separation 
from the First Church and Society, and the preliminary measures, which 
they have taken for the ordination of Mr. Henry Colman, do consider 
them as perfectly correct, regular, and satisfactory. 
> A true copy. 

Attest. PETER WHITNEY, Scribe. 



ON reviewing the foregoing narrative, I have thought it 
expedient, in consequence of some things which have recently 
taken place, to make the following additional observations. 

With respect to Mr. Richardson, it may be said, that the 
circumstances which rendered his character suspicious, and 
provoked inquiry concerning it, existed prior to his coming to 
Hingham to offer himself as a candidate for the ministry, and 
therefore could not be imputable either to his supporters or 
opposers; and the task of investigation could not be supposed 
agreeable to the latter ; but it was a task that was imposed upon 
them ; and if the result of it has been such as was injurious to 
him, it maytruly be said, that his friends have had their share 
in contributing to the injury ; for the first details we had of 
those circumstances were from them, the materials of which 
were probably furnished by Mr. Richardson himself : at least 
lie must have known the method adopted to vindicate his 
character; and w T hy did he not then, as an honest man, put 
a stop to relations which had a tendency to sacrifice the re- 
putation of others for the purpose of shielding his own ? Let 
him produce to the world his " Letter of Defence," that they 
may be enabled to judge from whence the original materials 
of the reports concerning him were derived. The persons 
connected with the transactions were generlly strangers in 
Hingham, and their names became known there only as join- 
ed with the reports respecting Mr. Richardson which accom- 
panied him into the town. 

Much blame has been thrown upon the opposers of Mr. 
Richardson, as having been officious in preventing exchanges 
between him and the neighbouring ministers ; for want of 
which he doubtless suiTers some inconvenience ; but a little at- 
tention to the gradual progress of affairs in the parish will 
show, that while their natural tendency might be to throw 
obstacles in the way of such exchanges, yet that the opposers 
might be innocent of any special agency with a design to that 
effect. During the first four sabbaths of Mr. Richardson's of- 



[ 83 ] 

ficiating with us, he obtained an exchange, without difficulty 
it is presumed, with Mr. Flint of Cohasset. Afterwards, as 
Mr. Richardson's character became questionable, the continu- 
al conversation concerning it gave a publicity to the reports 
respecting him, which could not be avoided : these of course 
came to the ears of the neighbouring ministers, and excited 
their caution respecting an intercourse, till they should be bet- 
ter informed about him. Notwithstanding a strong op- 
position which now prevailed, grounded on circumstances 
which were continually unfolding, affecting his moral charac- 
ter, his friends determined still to force him upon the opposers 
as their minister, and accordingly engaged him for a further 
time. They then found it expedient, in order to keep open 
the channel of intercourse between him and the neighbouring 
ministers, to make some exertions to support his character: 
with this view they exhibited in various places the recommen- 
dations which had been given him previous to a general 
knowledge of the charges which stood against him, the 
truth of which charges they at the same time denied. It is 
well known that the greater part of those ministers were 
thus applied to by Mr. Richardson or his friends, and had 
those recommendatory papers shown to them, before any 
thing had been given them by the opposers : even Mr. Nor- 
ton, of Weymouth, who has taken such a warm part in fa- 
vour of Mr. Richardson, I dare say will acknowledge this, as 
respects himself. In this stage of the business, the opposers, 
on the other hand, did doubtless communicate to some of 
those ministers the ground of their distrust of Mr. Richard- 
son's character; and if, on weighing in their minds the oppo- 
site accounts, the result was, to keep themselves from a con- 
nection with Mr, Richardson, it is some evidence of the 
weakness of his own ground. 

Again, much has been said by Mr. Richardson's friends in 
favour of the good Mr. Bcntley, respecting his disinterested 
and benevolent labours for establishing Christianity in this 
place. The part which Mr. Bentley has taken in our affairs 
is indeed astonishing! He had an enviable opportunity when 
he w T as sent for to give advice, had he been actuated by a 
sincere Christian spirit, to heal the differences, and close the 
breach, which existed in the parish. He had the confidence 
of the friends of Mr. Richardson, and might probably have 
easily led them into those measures that would have made for 
their peace. But instead of that, we find him giving advice, 



[ 84 ] 

and pursuing measures, which must eventually effect a total 
separation, as detrimental to those whom he was advising, as 
to their opposers. At length we see him the principal agent 
in giving the finishing stroke to the work of his own hands, 
and exulting in a melancholy victory, which broke up as it 
were a large and ancient family, that had lived in harmony 
through a long course of time. He apparently managed the 
ordaining council as he pjeased. If we may judge from what 
appeared at the time, and from a letter since written to 
Mr. H. Fearing, he sustained, in that body, the threefold 
character of witness, advocate and judge. He had heard Mr. 
R's statement — he had prejudged the cause — and, in defiance 
of the principle of impartiality and equity, he sat on the final 
decision. — " But had no one (he says in his letter to Mr. 
<{ Fearing) of the [ordaining] council heard the statements 
" at Charlestown; and therefore could they not get all the 
" information they wished for, in the most regular manner? 
" Could the council proceed, and not ask what had Jzeen 
"done in the matter ?" As much as to say, I have been of 
the council which met at Charlestown; I heard Mr. Rich- 
ardson's statements there ; I there obtained all the informa- 
tion I wished ; that was the most regular channel for obtain- 
ing information on the subject ; my mind w T as already made 
up ; all information through any other channel was needless, 
and must be vitiated ; if any members of the ordaining coun- 
cil asked any questions, I was competent to satisfying their 
minds, for I could tell them " what had been done in the mat- 
ter." Thus was this mockery of an examination conducted ; 
and the common forms of ordination seemed to be prostituted 
to mere party purposes. 

The narrative which I have herein given, with the docu- 
ments I have adduced in elucidation of it, is respectfully sub* 
nutted to the public. 

THOMAS THAXTER. 



<rri^^$jm^(Z^^LP 



ERRATA. 

Page 4, line 1, instead of " never could be," read u never was obtained." 
23, .. 1, dele "which," and read "as his moral character at this time," 
&c. 
Document No, 2, line 17, read " I will leave the room, and settle," &c. 
No. 5, .. 8, instead of " hereby certify," read " moreover 

certify." 
No. 7, .. 6, read " he enjoyed occasional communion." 
fio. 10 ■ ■■ ■ instead of" Jesse," read "Jonathan French." 
No. 12, .. 6, instead of "an honest man," read " an honest, 

moral, good man." 
No. 18, .. 9, read " educated and fitted for college in and 

near this town." 
No. 4;, .. 13, " his return would have been," read " his re- 
turn, unaccompanied with the most ample ac~ 
Jcnowledgment, would have been," &c. 
No. 43, .. 33, read " and trial before such a tribunal, but," 
&c. 
.. 40, instead of " I understood there had been, 1 " 
read " I understand there have been." 

yo. 46 the date should be July 16, 1800, instead o£ 

1806. 



APPENDIX, 



To Benjamin Lincoln, Esq. and others, a committee, ap* 
pointed to appear before the council which was convened 
for the ordination of Mr. Joseph Richardson, in behalf of 
those %vho were opposed to that measure. 
Gentlemen, 

HAVING collected and arranged such papers, &c. apper- 
taining to the late unhappy disputes in this place, as would af- 
ford the impartial and unprejudiced mind a correct view of 
those disputes ; and being about to publish the same, with- 
some few observations of my own thereon ; 1 have lately seen 
a pamphlet published by a committee of the First Church and 
Parish, containing a narrative of those proceedings, many of 
which, as stated in said pamphlet, appear to me very oppo- 
site to truth, or at least are so related and coloured as to con- 
vey a very different idea from what I have always entertain- 
ed, from the knowledge I have had of those transactions. As 
many of them, however, did not pass under my immediate 
view, particularly those which appertained to the ordination 
of Mr. Richardson, not being one of the committee instructed 
to appear before that council by his opposers ; and as the ac- 
count given thereof by Mr. Bentley, one of that council, is 
contradictory to the report made by that committee, I could 
■wish, for my own satisfaction, and for the cause of truth, that 
^ou would take the trouble to state an account of that, and 
such other transactions relative thereto, as you may think pro» 
per. I am your most obedient, humble servant, 

THOMAS THAXTER. 

To Dr. Thomas Thaxter. 
Sir, 
To every sincere friend and well wisher to the town of 
Hingham, and the good people of the two societies, which 
formerly composed the North Parish thereof, it must give pain 
that any circumstance should take place which should have 
a tendency to revive that animosity which the division of 
the parish into two distinct religious societies we hoped had, 

A 



C 2 ] 

or shortly would have, .happily terminated. We can most 
sincerely say for ourselves, and we believe we speak the 
opinion of our society in general, that as a conscientious sense 
of duty, in opposing the majority of our brethren in the mea- 
sures they were adopting, governed us ; so also the attainment 
of those best of Heaven's blessings, peace, harmony and 
friendly intercourse, induced us to make the great sacrifice of 
interest, which was the necessary attendant on a separation. 

That the pamphlet to which you allude, and which we 
have also seen, is calculated to revive and increase that ani- 
mosity, we strongly apprehend. Whether the compilers and 
publishers of that pamphlet intended that such should be its 
operation, we cannot say, but it certainly argued great want 
of discernment if they did not foresee this natural effect ; and 
if they did, it would seem to manifest a malignancy of heart. 
A very critical scrutiny of that performance is unnecessary to 
discover some traits of that disposition ; for he must be base 
indeed, who could touch on private character, by which the 
merits of a cause in dispute are not in the least affected. In- 
deed, without taking into consideration this natural and de- 
plorable tendency of the pamphlet, a slight view of the pro- 
duction would lead one to suppose, that its compilers had 
fully embraced the sentiments of one of their number, an ac- 
tive and influential member of their society, who explicitly de- 
clared in public meeting, that, in the parish controversy, " re- 
ligion had nothing to do in the business, with him." 

Such, sir, being our view of the tendency of the aforesaid 
pamphlet, and indeed in a degree of any publication or narra- 
tive on that subject, however correct, we exceedingly regret 
that any should have appeared, and especially in a form which 
compels us in justification of ourselves, and in vindication of 
the truth, to correct some gross erroi^ therein; and to make 
a few observations on the productions of two reverend gen- 
tlemen, contained in the said pamphlet, on which it would 
seem, by the manner in which they are introduced, the com- 
pilers thereof build great expectations. 

The pamphlet purports to be a Vindication of the proceed- 
ings of the First Church and Parish in Hingham, in settling 
the Rev. Joseph Richardson as their gospel minister. It pro- 
fesses to contain a narrative of their doings from the first of 
Mr. R's coming among them, until his ordination and the in- 
corporation of the Third Congregational Society. It also ex- 



f 3 ] 

hibits the evidences of the good character of the candidate, and 
shews the satisfaction which those evidences produced on 
their minds — that it was sufficient to induce them to give him 
a call. 

Their first doing was, hiring Mr. Richardson for four sab- 
baths ; to vindicate which, as it appears by their note they 
considered it requisite, they say he was first introduced by 
Dr. Levi Lincoln and Eberi. Gay, Esq. and by the insinuation 
that their politics were different from those of the candidate, 
they exonerate those gentlemen from improper motives in 
inviting him. But who was the cause of his being put on the 
list of candidates, and who insisted on its being done, pretend- 
ing at the same time he hardly knew his name, or the place 
of his abode ? It was Mr. Hawkes Fearing ; who it is be- 
lieved had little knowledge of him, except of his political cha- 
racter. Their next doing was (contrary to the spirit of a pre- 
vious vote of the parish, not to hear any candidate but four 
sabbaths) to hire him for eight sabbaths longer ; and this they 
state, in the (t Vindication," to have been done, after many 
wounding reports respecting him were in circulation. Whe- 
ther this part of their proceedings needed vindication or not, 
they do not appear to have attempted one. 

But the disposition to ascertain what was truth concerning 
the various reports prejudicial to the character of their candi- 
date, afterwards apparently manifested by instructing a com- 
mittee to inquire into Mr. Richardson's character, &c. was ve- 
ry proper; and had the committee executed their trust, the 
result might have been satisfactory to his opposers. What 
was their instruction ? To inquire what was truth concern* 
ing the various reports prejudicial to the character of their can- 
didate. But what was their report ? why truly, their opin- 
ion that Mr. Richardson was a gentleman of a good moral 
character ; and that it was formed from sundry documents 
which they had obtained, shewing what his character was in 
the opinions of the writers, prior to the time to which these 
charges alluded ; and connected with no circumstances relat- 
ing to the reports in circulation against him ; excepting a ge- 
neral exoneration from all illiberal surmises and dishonoura- 
ble charges, by the selectmen of Charlestown ; and a certi- 
ficate of the trustees of a school there " that, as far as their ac- 
quaintance with him went, they found him to be a good 
schoolmaster ; and believed him an honest, moral, good man." 



f 4 1 

But was this executing their commission, which was, to in» 
quire what was truth concerning the various reports prejudi* 
cial to his character ? We think not ; and we cannot but 
think that the conduct of the parish in accepting that report 
as satisfactory, needs more vindication than appears in the 
pamphlet. 

However extraordinary it may appear to the compilers of 
the u Vindication," that this report, with the documents ex- 
hibited, should not satisfy all, of the falsehood of the charges in 
circulation, to us it appears as extraordinary that it should sa- 
tisfy any;* and we flatter ourselves we shall stand acquitted, 
by all persons of discernment and impartiality, from the charge 
of being predetermined by other reasons than those which re- 
spect moral character, who will view the evidence on which 
our opinion was formed. Nor can it be considered either un- 
fair or dishonest, in our preparing a protest against a measure 
which was clearly foreseen would take place, by the manner 
in which the inquiry into his character was to be made, and 
the description of persons composing the committee. Candour 
and a solicitude to obtain truth would have dictated an equal 
number of each party on the committee, which might have 
produced union and harmony : but this was refused ; and all 
the committee were his adherents; and, as was expected, the 
acceptance of the*' report was followed by a call of the candi- 
date, and a protest from the opposition. 

The next step to be vindicated is, the calling of the candi- 
date wiihout the concurrence of the church. This is acknow- 
ledged to have been the case. Their reasons for this extra- 
ordinary conduct (for they appear to view it as needing an 
apology, and we believe another instance of the kind cannot 
be produced, where there was not a perfect harmony in the 
society) are, the inclemency of the season, sickness, age and 
infirmity of its members. This statement we believe to be 
correct; and to it might have been added, a consciousness 
that no meeting of the church could be holden in which a 
majority in favour of a concurrence with the parish could be 
obtained. They say, « It was judged most proper, and 

* We would not be here understood as calling in question the respecta- 
bility of the sources from whence these documents were derived, but mere- 
ly that they did not contrad.ct any reports which had been in circulation, 
prejudicial to the character of Mr. R. nor invalidate any charge which had 
freea brought against him. 



{ 5 3 

equally fair and valid, to dispense with a formal meeting, and 
to unite with the parish, by a written instrument, which was 
done by a majority of the church." We here concede to 
the statement, that there were then living forty-six male 
members; of this number, however, three had never heard 
the candidate preach, nor have they since, nor probably ever 
will: two, by a long course of mental derangement, were 
considered as entirely disqualified to transact any business ; 
two others had for years withdrawn themselves from com- 
munion, and two others had repeatedly declared they would 
take no part in the business. The names of some of those 
members, however, must have been among those who con- 
stituted a majority of the forty-six by signature. This being 
the state of the church, less discernment than the conductor* 
of their affiirs were known to possess, would have been am- 
ple to have discovered the result of a meeting of the church, 
and pretty clearly shews why no one church member of the 
adherents of Mr. Richardson attended the meeting holden on 
the 9th of January, 1805. 

The " Vindication" states," that the disaffected members of 
the church, thinking to take advantage of this measure, pre- 
tend," &c. Advantage of what measure ? the concurrence 
of the church by signature ? No such measure was heard of 
until after trie meeting was holden ; nor, it is believed, was 
adopted until after the meeting was warned. Bat the " Vindi- 
cation" denies that any regular church meeting was holden* 

* We cannot omit here noticing one curiosity in the <c Vindication." In 
a marginal note, in the thirty-third page, it is said, " It has been already 
ghewn that there was no regular meeting of the church on the gth of Janu- 
ary, liOG. This can be proved by substantial evidence, aiid that a call had 
been presented to Mr. Richardson, signed by a majority of th t members of 
the church, previous to his giving his answer." In the seventy- fourth 
page, i i a note, it is said, " The following document furnishes the proof re- 
ferred to in the thirty-third pige." Then folio vs a document, dated Dec. 
L»3, iso6, in which fi^e persons, professing to be a committee of the First 
Church, " certify that no meeting of the First Church in Hinghara was 
holden on the said 9th of January, for reasons which are then stated. 
. This document, it seems (according to the understanding of the vindica- 
tors) proves, that there was no meeting of the church, and that Mr. Rich- 
ardson was presented with a call by signatures, previous to his giving hie 
answer. And it is substantial evidence too. We, on the other hand, prove, 
by the records of the church., that such a meeting was warned ; and can prove, 
by the same records, that such a meeting was holien. In one respect, how- 
ever, we confess our evidence is not so substantial as that of our brethren 
v/ho compiled the " Vindication." Ours does not prove that Mr. Richard* 
eon had net a call by signatures. 



I 9, ) 

on the 9th of January, 1806, because, it says, the object of the 
meeting was not generally known, nor was it warned in the 
usual time, in the customary manner, or holdcn at the stated 
place." That the object of the meeting was fully under* 
stood, is beyond dispute, as the subject was the constant and 
almost only topic of conversation. No time, manner or place 
had ever been established, either by a vote of the church, or 
statute of the legislature. It was judged, and we think very 
correctly, that when there was no pastor, the deacons were 
the regular presiding and governing officers in the church. 
These issued a notification for a church meeting, as will ap- 
pear by the following extract from the records of the 
church; — "Application having been made to us the subscri- 
bers to call a meeting of the male members of the First 
Church of Christ in Hingham, we hereby give notice that a 
meeting thereof will be holden at the Derby Academy, on 
Thursday, the 9th day of January instant, at 1 o'clock, P. M. 
at which time and place all the male members are requested 
to attend." — [Signed] — " Joseph Thaxter, Benjamin Cusfc 
ing, William Cushing, David Lincoln, jun. deacons. 
Bingham, Jan. 6, 1806." 

<e We, the subscribers, being appointed by the deacons to 
warn a meeting of the church agreeably to the above applica- 
tion, hereby certify, that we have performed that service."— 
[Signed] — (< Levi Lincoln, Samuel Norton, Nathan Rice, 
William Cushing, David Lincoln, jun. committee." 

This notification, as certified, was served to every mem- 
ber of the church, except to a Mr. Ebenezer Lincoln, who was 
forgotten, probably because he had not attended meeting for 
years, through extreme old age and sickness, and was one of 
those who had never heard the candidate preach ; also, 
Capt. Thomas Fearing, who happened to be out of town 
when the notification was left at his house. This was cer- 
tainly a more general and sure mode of notification than any 
other that could have been adopted. The place for holding 
the meeting was selected for the accommodation and comfort 
of the aged and infirm, it being provided with a good fire. 
At this meeting, it is true, as stated in the w Vindication,'* 
ce there were twenty-one members present, who protested 
against the measure of the parish : but, says the " Vindication," 
■" one of them, Mr. John Beal, was a member of the church 
in Cohasset, and his relation to it was never transferred to 



t r ] 

that of Hingham." It may be true, but it is also true he had 
been upwards of forty years a regular communicant in it, and 
had uniformly acted in the church, particularly in the ordina- 
tion of the Rev. Dr. Ware. The candid and impartial pub- 
lic will judge of the regularity of this church meeting, from 
the foregoing statement of facts; and also of the regularity 
of the doings of the parish, and the concurrence of a majority of 
the members of the church by signature. It ought also to 
be considered, however, that much deception, misrepresenta- 
tion, and management, might have been and probably were 
used by those employed to obtain the signatures of persons of 
the aforesaid description, who could have no opportunity of 
inquiring what was truth respecting such statements, if they 
had the ability. The candour of these vindicators in not 
divulging those circumstances attending this church meetings 
which would so unfavourably impress the reader, if stated, 
but a statement of which they say justice demanded, is less 
astonishing to us, as during the wiiole of these unhappy dis- 
putes they have uniformly refused to do for us what justice 
demanded, although we do not recollect ever to have heard 
it ascribed to their candour before. 

The vindication of the next step of the parish, which was 
the convening of a reference of clergymen at Charlestown, 
to settle the disputes, between Mr. Richardson on the one 
part and the parish on the other, we think a pretty difficult 
undertaking; for it was to vindicate the mode of settling a 
dispute which never existed. Had the dispute been be- 
tween Mr. Richardson and the parish, it would probably have 
been settled by a dismissal of the candidate. The fact was, 
the dispute was between Mr. Richardson and the paiish on 
one part, and certain individuals on the other— and it seems 
one party in dispute chose to submit the cause to such a refer- 
ence as they thought proper to select : the other party in dis- 
pute, as was natural, not agreeing to it, would have nothing 
to do in the business : and that they judged properly is mani- 
fest by the recommendation of those clergymen to Mr. Rich- 
ardson and the parish : and notwithstanding all the plausible 
reasoning which the " Vindication" exhibits, to show that we 
ought to have appeared before that tribunal for the settle- 
ment of the controversy, considering the parish had been at 
so much trouble and expense to give them this fair opportu- 
nity of doing it, w T e doubt whether any but themselves will 



C * I 

believe "we shunned investigation, or suspected that ouf 
cause rested on a trembling foundation." Had we been 
obliged to have submitted our cause to a reference thus cho- 
sen, and to such persons as might have been selected, our 
cause would have indeed been hopeless. 

The " Vindication " proceeds to state, « that conciliatory 
measures were still the wish and object of the parish," and as 
an evidence thereof, it says, " That agreeably to the recom- 
mendation of the reference at Charlestown," at a legal meet- 
ing on the 8th of March, 1806, it was voted, That the parish 
contract with Mr. Richardson as their public teacher of reli- 
gion, till such time as he shall be ordained, with this proviso^ 
that whenever his opposers wish to call a rtference of gospel 
ministers, on these conditions, viz. the opposition two, his friends 
two, Mr. Richardson two, and Mr. Richardson and his oppo- 
sers a seventh, to investigate his moral character,"* &c. A 

* This proposition they say was rejected. "What proposition was rejtjfct- 
ecP by whom was it rejected? and to whom was. it made > This proposition^ 
as it is called, was neither more nor less than a vote of the parish to con- 
tract with Mr. Richardson as their public teacher of religion ; which vote, 
(or proposition, as they term it) was accepted by him, and by this accept- 
ance he entered into a civil contract, which was equally binding on both 
parties, and was to continue in force for life, unless he should be ordained, 
or unless a reference of ministers (a majority of whom were to be chosen 
by himself and friends) should declare him to be, in their opiuion, disqua- 
lified in point of moral character for a gospel minister. 

It appears, by the manner in which this transaction is stated in the 
* f Vindication," as if no such contract was made, but that it was proposed 
and rejected. We are not surprised that they should wish to keep so ex- 
traordinary a measure out of sight. 

By the terms of this contract, if a council had been called for the ordi- 
nation of Mr. Richardson, and if they had refused to crdain biro, for 
whatever reasons, it would still have remained in force. And if his friendy 
should diminish to the number of two, and his opposers increase in the 
same proportion, from whatever cause, the parish v/ould still be helden by 
the contract to support him, unless he should be ordained and then dis- 
missed, or unless a reference, selected principally by himself and his two" 
friends, should condemn him as pi ovided in the said contract, and the pa- 
rish would be completely deprived, by their own act, of those rights of 
which they pretended to be so tenacious. 

The next proposition, which was contained in a letter addressed by Mr. 
Richardson to Gen. Lincoln, was made, not because Mr. Richardson wa* 
not legally established, but, it is believed, because many of his adherents 
were uneasy, and some actually refused to attend meeting while his estab- 
lishment was of such an unprecedented nature. Something was therefore 
thought necessary to be done, and this proposition was made, which they 
say was rejectee*, but was followed by one from the opposers, in these 
terms, &c.° But how it was rejected, and what took place before that of 
the opposers waB uiade^ they are careful to remember to forget to staid 



i s J 

-vindication of this transaction is not attempted, unless the 
declaration that it was adopted " agreeably to the recom- 
mendation of the members composing the reference at 
Charlestown " is o\\e. We believe, however, that those gen- 
tlemen will hardly thank the people of Hingham for insinuat- 
ing that they recommended so unrighteous and extraordinary 
a measure. No sijeh sentiment was contained in their re- 
commendation, but the contrary. Such a preamble therefore 
to this part of the narrative must be both weak and wicked, 
for a slight recurrence to that recommendation would prove 
its fallacy. 

The " Vindication " next states, " that the parish now re- 
linquished their ideas of right, and agreed to meet the oppo- 
sers on their own ground, who claimed one half the council ; 
that it was rejected by them, but another offered in its stead, 
which was not accepted by the parish." It may here be pro- 
per to state the prominent features of distinction in the two 
propositions. That of Mr. Richardson proposed five gospel 
ministers for the reference; that of the opposition, eleven or 
thirteen. That of Mr. Richardson provided, that if the refer- 
ence did not condemn him, by determining his moral charac- 
ter to be really such as to disqualify him for the office of a 
gospel minister, opposition to him should cease. That of the 
opposition provided, that if the reference, after hearing the 
allegations, &c. would recommend him, and give it as their 
opinion that he was a man of good moral character, and true 
piety, and suitable for a gospel minister, then opposition should 
cease ; otherwise, the connexion between the candidate and 

The facts are these :•— The proposition of Mr. Richardson was com- 
municated by Gen. Lincoln to the opposition, who instructed a committee 
to answer it. This committee informed Mr. Richardson, by letter, that 
&is opposers were entirely willing to comply with the recommendation of 
the ministers who assembled at Charlestown (at the request of himself and 
his friends) in calling a mutual ecclesiastical council, Or, if more agreeable 
to him, a reference of ministers, for the purposes expressed by them. To 
this lie replied, that it wa3 thought by himself and friends improper to re- 
jply. to our propositions until we had accepted or rejected those which he 
iiad offered. He was answered by the committee, that their other commu- 
nication was predicated on the recommendation of the ministers above 
mentioned (which those ministers said was the only regular made of settling 
the differences) and that they still adhered to the principles therein con- 
tained. Thus ended the correspondence. The proposition, which the 
"Vindication" states to have been made on the .17th of April, was made af- 
ter this correspond* ace was ended. The whole truth would not answer 
their purpose. 

B 



[ io ] 

parish should cease. The opposers' objections to five only, or 
rather, their wishes for eleven or thirteen, arose from the con- 
sideration, that in a multitude of counsel there is safety; that 
the result, whatever it might be, would be more satisfactory ; 
especially if the reference were pretty well united ; and would 
be less likely to be swayed by prejudice and party considera- 
tions. In respect to the other difference, it was believed 
that the character of a candidate for the ministry ought to 
be such as to merit recommendation ; that to condemn is an 
unpleasant task, and in such a case would be fatal to charac- 
ter ; that a reference might decline to condemn, who would 
be unwilling to recommend. The " Vindication " says, in a 
note, that it was inconsistent to require of the reference an 
opinion or belief " that the candidate was a roan of true pie- 
ty, as none but the Omniscient Searcher of Hearts could de- 
termine it." An opinion certainly can be formed, although 
it may be erroneous : we are authorised to judge by the 
fruit what the tree is. 

As the " Vindication P has mistated, that the proceedingf 
on the 8th of March, 1806, were agreeable to the recom- 
mendation of the clergymen at Charlestown ; it ought to havt 
stated what was the truth, viz, that the opposition, in the 
third article of the warrant for calling that meeting, propo- 
sed to the parish the calling of a mutual ecclesiastical council, 
agreeably to the recommendation of those clergymen, which 
the parish refused, although it was strongly urged by the op- 
posers. 

The pamphlet next goes on to state, that the opposers (oh 
the 17th April, 1806) requested the parish to vote assent to * 
separation, which was unanimously given ; but it states ** it 
to have been done under the most unequivocal assurance that 
it should terminate all disputes respecting the settlement of 
Mr. Richardson. This, however, does not appear, and no 
such stipulations were ever made ; although it was the in- 
tention of the opposers, if they were incorporated, to make 
no opposition; nor would any have appeared, if the most 
unequivocal evidence had not been given, prior to the ordi- 
nation, that opposition to the incorporation was intended : for 
it must be remarked, that the vote of the parish did not con- 
stitute a legal separation. The evidence of this consists in 
the refusal of their principal and most influential characters 
to signify in writing that they would make no opposition to 



I 11 ] 

the separation, and the actual opposition of Mr. Fearing, the 
representative of the town, thereto, in the session of the le- 
gislature in May ; for it was the expectation of the opposition, 
when the vote of the parish was given, that the act would 
be obtained at this session, and it undoubtedly would have 
been, had it not been opposed by Mr. Fearing. Should this, 
however, not seem sufficient to establish the correctness of our 
opinion and subsequent conduct, as the ultimate opposition of the 
parish might by some be considered as problematical, we here 
refer the reader to the votes of the parish of January 5, 1807 ; 
whieh were, amongst other things, "that the population and 
wealth of the parish are very incompetent to the maintenance 
of two religious societies; and that the parish are in duty 
bound to use their best possible influence to prevent an act 
being made for that purpose ;" and then chose a committee 
of five to carry these votes into effect. We would also re<- 
fer to the remonstrance of the parish, by that committee, to 
the legislature, which, among other things, says, ** The peti- 
tioners seem to ground their petition for a separation, and 
incorporation, on what they term an unanimous vote of the 
parish consenting thereto ; but, when that matter is under- 
stood, they believed it would appear, there was no founda* 
tion for the petition in that respect ; and that they are now 
acting with entire consistency in opposing the same petition 
to the utmost of their exertion ;"* and therefore in the last 
clause of the remonstrance they say, ff Wherefore the inha- 
-habitants, remonstrants, humbly pray, they (the petitioners) 
may have leave to withdraw their petition." This remon- 
strance seems to unravel the business, and explains the ori- 
ginal intentions, if not of the parish, of those who had the 
direction of their affairs; for it says "when that matter is 
understood, there will appear no foundation for the petition." 
What is it to be understood ? They do not expressly tell us 
in words, but in what is stronger (in their conduct) they dp 
tell us pretty plainly, viz. When it is understood that the pa^ 
rish was not sincere in their vote, and could, by it, get rid of 
the opposition atthe ordination (for it was not believed at this 
time that an ecclesiastical council could be mustered up, who 
would ordain Mr. Richardson while there were so many of 

* If they had said with their usual consistency, thev would have been 
Correct.' 



[ 12 ] 

the parish opposed to it) that then the separation was hot to 
take place, if it could be prevented. Convinced therefore of 
the designs of the parish ; to prevent or delay the ordination of 
Mr. Richardson until the separation was effected by an act 
of the legislature, became the duty of his opposers, dictated 
by prudence, justified by circumstances, and advised by the 
reverend council, called to advise the aggrieved party what 
they ought to do under existing circumstances- Resting ful- 
b r satisfied that the public will justify them for their attempts, 
from the foregoing statement ; they conceive they shall also 
be acquitted for appearing before the ordaining council to 
state their objections to his character and conduct, with the 
evidences to support them, when it is considered that Mr. 
Richardson, in a letter addressed to Gen. Lincoln, called 
upon his opposers so to do; a neglect to do it might in a de- 
gree have sanctioned an insinuation which had frequently 
been made, that the opposition had fabricated those reports, or 
that they believed them unsupportable. The circumstances 
which attended the admission of a number of persons into 
the church, taking into view the time, and the subsequent 
transaction of the church in so soon after concurring with the 
parish in the call of Mr. Richardson, did seem to confirm the 
opinion of the opposers, that till that took place it was the be- 
lief of Mr. Richardson's friends that a vote of the church 
could not be obtained for it, and that the measure was ne- 
cessary (notwithstanding the pretended call by signature) to- 
lender their doings regular and valid. Rut we cannot but 
differ fron Mr. Bentley in opinion, that this Cured the difficul- 
ty arid rectified the original irregularity. It was considered 
too delicate a subject, by those who had withdrawn their 
attendance on public worship under Mr. Richardson to ap-. 
pear in opposition to the admission of the members propound- 
ed to the church, the purity of whose motives was known 
only to themselves and their God. If, however, the pro- 
ceedings of the parish had been irregular, as Mr. Rentley 
seems to have admitted: arid if the vote of concurrence by 
the church, after the admission of these persons by Mr. Bent- 
ley, was necessary to rectify this irregularity, and to pro- 
mote the ordination ; it must have been considered a very 
fortunate circumstance, by those who wished for this event, 
that such a conversion to Christianity should have taken 
place at this particular period. 



[ 13 | 

Whether blame ought to be attached to the opposition for 
withdrawing from attendance on public worship, under the 
ministration of a man to whose morality and deportment they 
had serious objections, and providing a preacher for them- 
selves, must be left to the public to decide, They feel justifi- 
ed in their own minds, and have already had (as the c< Vin- 
dication " testifies) the countenance and support of a number 
of clergymen, particularly the Rev. Dr. Ware (our late 
worthy pastor) whose character for discernment, uprightness 
and liberality is far above the reach of the shafts of malice, 
and whose approbation will do much towards establishing the 
justice of our cause in the minds of those who are unacquaint- 
ed with the merits of the controversy,* 

The " Vindication " pretends to attach much blame to the 
opposers for withholding the documents which implicated Mr. 
Richardson's character, from him and his friends. To this it 
may be replied, that the contents of the documents, and the 
authors of them, were communicated to him and his friends, 
who called on those who possessed them therefor ; and some 
of the reasons for not delivering up the originals, or giving 
copies thereof, may be seen in a letter addressed by Col. Rice 
to Mr. Richardson; and that he fully knew the contents, and 
understood from whence they came, was manifest by his let- 
ter to the parish, explanatory of his conduct. It ought, how* 
ever, to be remarked, that copies of all those documents 
were afterwards offered to the parish, at the parish meeting, 
Dec. 10, 1805, and previous to the vote for calling him, on 
condition that a copy of the aforesaid communication from 
Mr. Richardson should also be given to the opposers; but this 
was not agreed to by the parish. What then can be thought 
of the declaration made in the 78th page of that pamphlet, 
•that they -could never obtain the favour of those documents? 
That a blush for the depravity of human nature should have 
been raised, cannot be thought extraordinary: he must be 
more hardened in iniquity than falls to the lot of many, that 
could make such a declaration without blushing. 

Having proceeded to state and justify the transactions of 
the First Church ajad Parish, to the time of the convening of 
the council for the ordination of Mr. R, (and how they have 

* Seme of the sixers of the "Vindication," we think, musi; have felt 
some secret qualmi when applaudia* the co idast of the parish towards 
iheir late minister. 



\ H ) 

succeeded, the public will judge) the compilers of the " Vin- 
dication" undertake briefly to sketch that transaction ;* and 
frankly own, that the inquiry then to be made was " not in- 
tended to give any satisfaction to the opposition, but to the 
council and the public. " A very candid declaration ; it dis- 
covers a very benevolent, christian-like disposition indeed, not 
to wish to satisfy or reconcile a part of the parish, who had 
borne about two fifths of the parish expenses, according to 
their own statement ; and whom, notwithstanding the parish 
had consented to their separation from them, they intended 
yet to retain and compel to defray a large portion of the ex- 
pense of supporting a man, on whom they could not conscien- 
tiously attend, with the belief and impressions they then had. 

It says, " the council could not conveniently have proceed* 
ed in the business in the midst of a crowd, which would have 
taken place in the meeting-house." It is believed it would 
have been a very unpleasant thing for the council to have 
proceeded as they did, in the meeting-house, unless the same 
measures had been taken there, which were at Mr. Fearing'*, 
to prevent people from hearing. And by this they seem to 
think, notwithstanding Mr. Bentley's opinion, <€ that none 
wished to hear but the opposers, and they were few," that a 
crowd of people would have attended, had it been in a place 
where they could have been admitted. It is supposed, as ma- 
ny observations are not made in the " Vindication," on the 
conduct of the opposers before that council, its compilers reli- 
ed on the history thereof given by Mr. Bentley. They how- 
ever make one decided declaration, " that no competent wit- 
ness, or legal evidence whatever, was produced to support 
their high charges ; but only a parcel of letters, from persons 
of whose character they chose to say nothing." This it is 
presumed will be considered, although it was not so intended, 
as a recommendation of those letter writers ; for, had it 
been possible in truth to have cast a blemish on their charao 
ters, it is presumed it would not have been omitted, judging, 
by the " Vindication," of the disposition of its compilers. 

*Itis stated in the " Vindication," that at the meeting of the church 
for making arrangements for the ordination, the votes were carried 24 to 
13. We wonld here observe, that this majority was partly composed of 
the new members admitted by Mr. Bentley, all of whom, it is believed, 
were present at that meeting 3 and ah>o that a noinbev of the opposers did 
|tot atfcerrd. 



I is 3 

^Vnat was the amount of the evidence thus adduced, and the 
weight it deserved, the public will judge. What it had with 
the council, is manifest. 

After giving the result of the council, the "Vindication " 
produces the report of the committee of the opposition, made 
to their constituents. On this report it makes but few com- 
ments ; but observes, that they believed it was communicat- 
ed to the clergy, accessible by them, far and near. If this 
was the case, it must have had a pretty extensive circulation ; 
yet we believe, without the influence of this report, there are 
few of the clergy in the commonwealth, who have heard of 
the proceedings of the parish, but have justified and counte- 
nanced the measures of the opposition. 

Here it ought to be observed, that the report in question 
was made by the committee to their society only, to convey 
to them a true and faithful narrative of what took place be- 
fore the council. And, notwithstanding the illiberal remarks 
contained in the marginal notes of the <e Vindication " (many 
of which, it is believed, will not be considered very pertinent; 
some, mere assertions without proof, and opinions without ar- 
gument) the subscribers of that report pledge themselves for 
the truth of those things which are stated as facts therein. 
And, notwithstanding the opinion of the compilers of the 
(< Vindication," of Mr. Bentley, and Mr. Norton, we believe 
the representations and opinions, stated therein, correct. 

On the marginal account given of the transaction which 
took place between Dr. Morse and Mr. Richardson, as given 
by Mr. Richardson iii the 35th page of the pamphlet, which 
was the foundation of a serious objection to him by his oppo- 
aers, it may be here sufficient only to state, that Dr. Morse, 
having seen the same, has certified on the margin Of that 
page, in a copy of the pamphlet, that that account is false in 
almost every particular thereof. 

The compilers of the pamphlet, having fully vindicated the 
conduct of the First Church and Parish, as they conceive, by 
their assertions, and Mr. Bentley and Mr. Norton's reasoning 
(of which we shall take notice hereafter) proceed to take a 
aurvey of the proceedings of the Third Congregational Socie- 
ty, and insinuate, that their settlement of a minister was ir- 
regular; but wherein is not stated, unless it is because the 
First Church were not assenting to it, by voting the dismissal 
from that church, of those members who had united with the 



i it? } 

Third Congregational Society* But does this render the set- 
tlement of a minister irregular, or the establishment of a new 
church improper ? The large and respectable council con- 
vened on that occasion, did not so consider it ; and we can- 
riot but believe the clergymen of this council entitled to as 
much confidence and esteem — that they were as capable of 
judging, and as honest in acting— as the compilers of the 
" Vindication ," or the three reverend gentlemen who sanction- 
ed the proceedings of the First Church and Parish, and approv- 
ed of the conduct and character of the candidate. But to 
what does their reasoning amount ? or their quotation from 
the platform Of the churches prove, if it proves any thing ? 
Nothing more than that these members of their church, who 
had thus Withdrawn themselves without their approbation, had 
done an illegal and sinful thing, for which, perhaps, they 
ought to be excommunicated from their church; and not that 
it was irregular to form them into a new church, and ordain 
a minister over them and others, who were by an act of the 
legislature incorporated. — ?But it is evident, from the words in 
the parenthesis of the paragraph of the platform quoted, that 
no such case as the present was contemplated* But we con- 
tend that the members of the church who were the adher- 
ents of Mr. Richardson, . were in fact the seceders, and 
the opposers were the First Church. The parish, having the 
controul of the meeting-house, had introduced into the desk jt 
man, against whose settlement the church (at a regular meet- 
ing, as has been shewn) protested. Of course, it being im- 
proper foi them to attend public worship under his ministra- 
tion, and being refused the use of the meeting-house, before 
and after the usual hours of worship, they resolved to hold 
their meetings in another place, which they had the same 
right to do, as any other society. But the church withdraw- 
ing from the meeting-house, was very different from the 
members withdrawing from the church. The latter we con- 
ceive to have been the case with the adherents of Mr. Rich- 
ardson, who continued to attend his ministration, and who 
advocated measures in opposition to those which had been 
adopted by the church. And we think w T e are fully authoris- 
ed, by the result of Mr. Colman's ordaining council, to con- 
clude,that had not those, who now constitute the Third Church,, 
voluntarily' waved the right, they would have been recognisr 
cd as the First Church, and could have maintained that pre- 1 



[ 17 J 

cadency, with all Its advantages, in any court, civil or eccle- 
siastical. The mystery, therefore, how members of a church, 
thus separating- themselves, could be formed into a new 
church, in regular standing, expressed iit their next para- 
graph, we think will cease, without the aid of the veneraLle 
council who sanctioned it. The " Vindication " allows, that 
if this council had heard the merits of the dispute, and had af- 
ter that thought it right, then they might have established 
them as a separate church ; and yet they have just before 
said, how it could be done was to them a mystery. We say 
in reply, had some of the members of this council been ad- 
mitted to have heard the merits of the dispute, at the ordina- 
tion of Mr. Richardson (as they applied to be, but were refus- 
ed) they might have been able to have communicated to this 
council as correct information, and it would have been as re- 
gular a channel of information, as was Mr. Bentley to the 
other council. 

Among the many errors and mistatments in the <: Vindi- 
cation," we cannot omit noticing one ; and we are exceed- 
ingly at a loss to account for its introduction, unless it be, that 
some act of candour, benevolence and liberality might appear 
on their part towards the aggrieved part of the church. It 
says, (i The church of the First Parish had lent a number of 
silver cups, to those who had separated themselves from the 
church, and had suffered other property to remain in their 
hands, with the assurance they would give them up when 
called for." In this story there appears not even the shadow 
of truth. That it could not be the case, is evident from these 
Circumstances : All the deacons, of whom there were four, 
were among the aggrieved members ; the church plate and 
property, as it is believed is universally the case, was (ex of- 
ficio) in their hands for care and safe keeping; and how the 
church could loan the property, or when it was done, cannot 
be conceived (unless it was done by some paper containing 
the signatures of t fie majority of the church, expressing such 
a loan, and kept concealed.) But a church meeting was 
hplden in the usual place, when it was voted to divide the 
ohurch property, upon just principles, according to numbers.* 

* This meeting was warned in the same manner with that which was 
held on the 9th of January, 180b" •, but none of the adherents of Mr. Rich- 
ardson attended. Probably for the same reaso.113 which prevented thexu, 
from attending th« atner rneeting. 



C is- 1 

A request was also made to the deacons, to loan any addi- 
tional quantity of the table furniture more than half, which 
should be requested of them by the other part of the church. 
It seems therefore the vindicators must have mistaken this 
friendly act of. the aggrieved members of the church for their 
own, or it was a wiiful and designed misrepresentation, to 
impress the public mind favourably towards them. If doubt* 
were expressed by the deacons, in delivering the property, it 
■was because they viewed themselves responsible therefor; 
they were not put out of office, nor others appointed in their 
stead, in what was called the First Church. They were how- 
ever advised to give it up to a committee of that church, w'h* 
might be chosen for that purpose, taking a receipt therefor, 
which was done. The public will determine what credit 
ought to be attached to the account of this transaction ia 
the " Vindication." 

We cannot but notice, on the closing leaf of the *f Vindica- 
tion," the use made of Dr. Cummings's letter, or testimony, 
as they call it, to discredit the evidences adduced of certain 
persons, to substantiate the allegations against Mr. Richard- 
son, notwithstanding, in a note on the 21st page, it is said, 
H Can any thing be more absurd than a pretence that a letter 
could be used to defend a man's character and conduct sub- 
sequent to the date of said letter ? Dr. Cummings's letter 
was used only to vindicate Mr. Richardson's character and 
conduct prior to the date." This absurdity appears in the use 
made thereof in the above instance. 

. Being weary of pointing out the absurdities, inconsistencies 
and mistatements in the " Vindication,"* we shall, without 
farther noticing them, proceed as was proposed to make some 
remarks, and correct some errors in the two reverend gentle- 
men's productions, published in the pamphlet ; and, as these 
wonderful productions appear to have been intended as stric- 
tures on the report which was made by the committee of ihe 
opposition to their constituents, it may be proper here to. in- 
sert that report. 

THE Committee appointed to represent that part, of the 
Church and Congregation in the North Parish in Hingham, 

* How far Mr. Richardson was concerned in these mistatements, &<A 
maybe pretty correctly judged by thos^ who will take the trouble to com- 
pare hie productions with that which M r e have been reviewing. , 



[ is> } 

which was opposed to the settlement of Joseph Richardson as 
gospel minister in that place, have attended the arduous and 
disagreeable service assigned them, and submit the following 
report. 

Agreeably to their instructions, your committee collected a 
Bumber of documents and evidences in support of the charges 
which had been alledged against Mr. Richardson, and made 
such arrangements as the short time allowed them would per- 
mit. On Monday, 30th of June, they met a council, which 
had been invited to assemble by the aggrieved members of 
the church, and laid before them a statement of the proceed- 
ings of the parish, the church, and opposition, from the time 
Mr. Richardson first came among us. On Tuesday, July 1st, 
they appeared at Mr. Fearing's tavern, at the hour appointed ; 
but the ordaining council not having convened, they retired, 
en being assured by Mr. Fearing that they should be notified 
as soon as the council should be assembled and ready to pro- 
ceed. At 5 o'clock, P. M. a billet, signed by Joseph Rich- 
ardson, was received by Gen. Lincoln, 'informing him that 
the council were assembled, and were ready to hear any evi- 
dences in support of the allegations contained in the protest 
signed by himself and others; and that an immediate attend- 
ance was requested. 

Your committee immediately repaired to Mr. Fearing's, 
where they found the room, in which the council w T ere as- 
sembled, guarded by a constable with his staff, and an assist* 
ant with a cane, and after being interrogated whether they 
Were a committee in behalf of the opposition, were admitted 
to the council, who had previously organised themselves, and 
were surrounded by the committee of the parish, and that 
part of the church who were adherents to Mr. Richardson. 
The council consisted of a deputation from four churches on- 
ly, among whom were but three clergymen — Rev. Mr. Bar- 
ker of Middleborough, moderator, Rev. Mr. Bentley of Salem, 
scribe, Rev. Mr. Briggs of Plymton — with one delegate each, 
and two delegates from the church at Tewksbury, one of 
whom was father in law to Mr. Richardson. It appeared by 
subsequent observations that the council had, previous to the at* 
tendance of your committee, heard such statements as Mr. 
Richardson and his adherents had thought proper to make, 
and that they proceeded under the impression that the oppo- 
sition were not considered a part of the society 5 and contribute 



[ 20' 3 

ed nothing towards the support of parish expense, wriiefr 
was not a fact. Also, that they intended not to admit any al- 
legations in addition to those contained in the protest alluded 
to in Mr. Richardson's billet. 

; The committee, after exhibiting their credentials, presented 
a written request to the council, that the question which was 7 
submitted to their decision should be discussed in the meeting- 
house, that all persons who felt interested might have an op- 
portunity of hearing and judging for themselves. In support 
of this request it was urged, that if the business was conduct- 
ed in private, appearances would be suspicion?, and the result 
imsatisfacton', and that the most effectual way for Mr. Rich- 
ardson to vindicate his character and place it in a fair light to 
the world, if he was really innocent, was to have it publicly 
investigated. That, on the other hand, the characters of Mr, 
Richardson's opposers were implicated, they having been ac- 
cused of fabricating the charges against him, and therefore 
were in justice entitled to the privilege of at least proving 
their own innocence in a public manner. 

All arguments, however, were unavailing. Mr. Bentley, 
who assumed and exercised throughout the whole discussion 
the right of deciding for the council on every question, strong- 
ly objected, for two reasons : one, that it would consume too 
much time ; the other, that the council were convened at the 
request of the church and parish ; that the parish had appoint- 
ed a committee to conduct and direct the proceedings, that 
the council had examined and found them regular, and had 
approved thereof, and by their approbation had bound them- 
selves to adhere to the regulation of said committee; that 
therefore the council had in fact already determined the hear- 
ing should be in the place in which they were assembled, and 
they were not at liberty to sit elsewhere. He said, the pa- 
rish at large were satisfied, and did not wish to be hearers; 
but if the opposers of Mr. Richardson wished to transgress 
the rules of order and regularity, and the vote of the parish, 
he was willing they should be admitted. ** There are but few 
of them," said he, addressing himself to the council and the 
adherents of Mr. Richardson; « let them come in:" then, 
turning to the committee, observed, he thought this a great 
condescension in the council, and an evidence they had no 
wish to exclude any who had an inclination to hear the discus- 
sion. Notwithstanding this boasted liberality of Mr. Bentley., 



j 23 J 

oare was taken not to give instructions to the eoiistabJe -*t&*. 
tioned at the door to carry it into effect. The request to si* 
in the meeting-house being refused, it was stated by the 
committee that in consequence of the unhappy division of the* 
parish, and the appointment of the ordination* the Opposers, 
not fully relying on their own judgment, had thought it ex- 
pedient to solicit the advice of an ecclesiastical council hi re- 
spect to the conduct they ought to pursue on the occasion ; 
that they had accordingly invited the Rev. Dr. Reed of Bridg- 
water, Rev. Mr. Harris of Dorchester, Rev. Mr. Allyne of 
Duxbury, and the Rev. Mr. Porter of Roxbury, with their de- 
legates ; that they were then in session, and that to be able to 
form a correct opinion, and advise imderstandingly, they con- 
ceived it necessary they should be made acquainted wi£h aft 
the facts on both sides of the question, and requested they 
might be admitted for that purpose. 

Mr. Bentley said he thought this a very extraordinary re^ 
guest ; he had no notion of having a jury upon their conduct. 
There were many wonderful events taking place in this day 
of wonders, but he thought this the most wonderful. " O," 
said he, "you must ask for something more reasonable than 
that." After this a request was made that the beforemen* 
tioned gentlemen should be admitted to hear in the capacity 
of private clergymen. This, being objected to by the parish 
committee, was consequently not granted by the council* al- 
though some of the clergymen some time after applied per- 
sonally for admission. These requests being rejected with 
contempt, your committee, after having read a statement of 
the proceedings of the parish, the church and the opposition, 
proceeded to state their objectious to Mr. Richardson's ordina* 
tiou ; but they soon found they were before a tribunal irode* 
the entire control of Mr. Bentley, who had apparently prede- 
termined to disregard every objection, and who descended 
from the sacred office of judge, in a cause of such magnitude 
and solemnity, to take the part of an attorney for the defend- 
ant, with all the zeal of an interested partizan. To every afc 
legation and evidence which was exhibited, he would apply 
some artful insinuation, sneer, or contemptuous observation, 
intended to destroy its force* and prejudice the minds of the 
council, The committee easily foresaw, from the conduct of 
the council, what would be their final decision, ere they had 
fairly entered on the merits of the question ; but a sense of 



t »2 3 

duty impelled them to proceed, though under the most dis- 
couraging circumstances. 

The committee objected to Mr. Richardson's ordination for 
two general reasons: — 1st. Because they considered the man- 
ner of his call and acceptance irregular and unprecedented. 
2d, Because they believed him an unsuitable person in point 
of moral character to be employed in the gospel ministry. 

In support of the first objection, it was shewn that the pa- 
rish, at a meeting December 10th, 1 805, voted to give Mr. 
Richardson acall, without consulting the church, or even com- 
municating to them the result of their meeting : that on the 
9th of January, 1806, a meeting of the church was holden, 
when it was voted to nonconcur the doings of the parish in 
the call of Mr. Richardson, and protest against the same : that 
Mr. Richardson's answer of acceptance, dated Jan. 6th, 1806, 
was read the 19th of the .same month : that on the 8th of 
June following, eight males and a number of females, all ad- 
herents of Mr. Richardson, were admitted into the church by 
Mr. Bentley, thereby giving a decided majority in that body 
in favour of Mr. Richardson : that at a meeting of the church, 
19th of June, 1806, it was voted to concur in the call of the 
parish, given Dec. 10th, 1805, and at a subsequent parish 
meeting, holden 28th of June, a vote was passed to concur 
with the church in their last mentioned vote of concurrence 
with the parish ; and to this call of the church and parish, if 
it may be so denominated, Mr. Richardson had never given 
an answer. Mr. Richardson said he was ready to give one 
then. Much desultory conversation took place on this ques- 
tion of irregularity, in which Mr. Bentley took his side. He 
endeavoured, in an artful manner, to draw the committee in- 
to an acknowledgment that the proceedings of the opposition, 
as it respected church meetings, had been irregular, intending 
thereb}' to destroy the force of their objections against the ir- 
regular proceedings of the parish, and intimated, though he 
did net undertake to assert, that though the parish had not in 
some instances been perfectly regular in the beginning, they 
had since corrected their proceedings and set themselves right. 
Among many other things equally incorrect and irrevelant to 
the subject, he said he should consider the call and answer 
perfectly regular if the opposers had uot been consulted, as 
they had petitioned for a separation, and obtained the consent 
of the parish for that purpose, and were exempted from the 



I » 3 

burden of parish expenses. This kind of sophistry had its ef- 
fect on the minds of the council. 

The committee having clearly proved, as they believe, the 
propriety of this objection, proceeded to the second : that 
Mr. Richardson was an unsuitable person in point 'of moral 
character to be employed in the gospel ministry. A number 
of charges of a more specific nature were contained under 
this head: 1st, That Mr. Richardson had been guilty of vio- 
lating one of the most solemn contracts of social life, for 
which he stands condemned in a court of justice. 2d, That 
he had been guilty of base ingratitude, and created much dis* 
turbance, by divulging and misrepresenting a confidential 
communication made to him, at his request^ by one who had 
patronised him, and conducted towards him in the most 
friendly manner. 3d, That he had avowed a principle incon- 
sistent with the peace and happiness of civil society, viz. that 
if even in a confidential manner an opinion were given in his 
presence unfavourable to an absent person, he always consi- 
dered himself at liberty to divulge it. 4th, That, indepen- 
dent of the foregoing instances, he had been guilty of decep- 
tion, prevarication and falsehood. 5th, That he had, by his 
improper speeches and conduct, manifested an unguarded, pe- 
tulant and quarrelsome disposition. 6th, That he had, by his 
acceptance, and residence here in an irregular and unprece- 
dented manner, made himself an instrument to destroy the 
peace of the parish, and the happiness of individuals ; and al- 
though the consequences were long since well known to 
him, he had manifested a determination still to remain here. 

In support of the first charge, the committee, in addition to 
the judgment of court, produced a deposition which was not 
exhibited on the trial, from the Rev. Mr. Barton, of Fitch- 
burg, testifying to the fact, and also two letters to Mr* 
Richardson from Miss Robinson, the lady who prosecuted him 
for a breach of promise of marriage, written after the receipt 
of his letter to her by which he broke off the connexion be- 
tween them after five years courtship, but before the prosecu- 
tion was commenced or contemplated. These letters bear 
internal marks of authenticity, and were sworn by her to be 
correct copies, to the best of her recollection. In the first of 
these she entreats him, in the feeling language of injured inno- 
cence, to give her some explanation of his strange and unex- 
pected conduct. In the other (he having taken no notice of 



[ 2+ J 

the first) she reviews his .conduct towards her, and recapitu- 
lates his solemn promises, oaths and imprecations. The evi- 
dxmce contained in these letters of the truth of the accusation 
against Mr. Richardson, and the collateral evidence in sup- 
port of it, wer.e, in the opinion of the committee, so explicit 
and conclusive, that it could be resisted by nothing but the 
most hardened prejudice, or determined blindness. Even Mr. 
Bentley seemed for a moment to be convinced of its truth ; 
but justified Mr. Richardson's denial, on the ground, that as 
Mr. Richardson had appealed from the judgment of the inferi- 
or court, had thrown himself on God and his country, and the 
cause was then pending, he had a right to plead not guilty, 
and such a plea under such circumstances was never consi- 
dered a falsehood ; and further said, he thought it very extra- 
ordinary that a case which was then pending in a court of 
justice should be brought before that council to be prejudged 
fry them. The committee would here remark, that if such 
reasoning be admitted as correct, the consequences would be 
incalculable. The indictment of a man for crimes of ever so- 
heinous a nature must form no objection to his being introdu- 
ced into the gospel ministry, lest the court before whom the 
criminal should afterwards be tried, might possibly be influen- 
ced by the opinion of an ordaining council. 

Dr. Morse's evidence being necessary to prove the truth 
of the second accusation, and he not having arrived, it was 
accordingly postponed. At this stage of the business, it be- 
mg about 10 o'clock, the council adjourned, and met agairs 
the next morning at about 7, when the third charge was 
l&ro&ght forward, and supported by the testimony of Mr. Hoaiv 
tn4 was not denkd by Mr. Richardson. 

In support of the fourth, a number of circumstances were 
mentioned* which the eemmittee believe went to substantiate 
the accusation. But the most striking instance which was 
produced was a statement in writing to the parish, at their 
meeting Dec. 10, 1805. Mr. Richardson's letter of defence 
(*g it was called) which was read at that meeting, was called 
for by the committee, and an extract relative to his leaving 
the boarding-house of Mr. Adams in Charlestown was read 
fey the council. Mr. Richardson therein stated, that the day 
after he left Mr. Adams's he called there on some business; 
that Mr. Adams then expressed his regret that Mr. "Richard- 
son had left him* and said, the young gentlemen who boarded 



[ 25 ]. 

with him were also sorry for what had happened, and wish- 
ed him to return and overlook all that had taken place; that 
he did not return, because he had engaged other lodgings. 
A deposition was produced from Mr. Adams, testifying that 
he never made any declaration of the kind, but on the contra- 
ry he believed nothing but the most ample acknowledg- 
ments on the part of Mr. Richardson would have satisfied 
those gentlemen, and that his return without such acknow- 
ledgments would have been the signal for them to leave the 
house. 

An affray which took place between Mr. Richardson and a 
gentleman in Charlestown, and several other facts, were ad- 
duced in support of the fifth charge. Mr. Adams, from Ac- 
ton, asserted, that he was in company with Mr. Richardson 
at Concord a few months before he came to preach in this 
town ; that Mr. Richardson then' said something to this ef- 
fect ; that he had quitted preaching because he despised the 
clergy and the profession, and appeared to wish the company 
to understand that he was ashamed of ever having had any 
connexion with the clerical order. Mr. Richardson said he 
did not recollect ever to have said any such thing, or ever to 
have seen Mr. Adams before, and wished him to state the 
place and circumstances when this declaration was made. 
Mr. Adams accordingly stated the place, and circumstances, 
and persons present ; all which Mr. Richardson remember- 
ed, but said it was a new charge, which he was not prepared 
to answer; but had he known it in season, he could have 
produced the persons who were present. 

The sixth charge was considered self evident, and needed 
no proof. 

The committee having gone through all the specific chaf- 
es except that which required the testimony of Dr. Morse, 
who was momently expected, one of the council observed, 
that Mr. Bridge was present, and could give all the informa- 
tion on that subject that was necessary. Mr. Bridge then 
made a statement to this effect : that some time previous to 
the difficulty with Dr. Morse, Mr. Richardson and himself 
were accidentally in company with each other, when no 
other person was present ; that some conversation took place 
which led Mr. Richardson to say, apparently without any ma- 
licious intention, and rather inadvertently, that he knew cer- 
tain persons in Charlestown were not perfectly friendly to 

D 



[ 26 3 

Mi'. Bridge ; and on his asking to what lie alluded, Mr. Richr- 
ardson, after some hesitation, told him, that he had been ad- 
vised by Dr. Morse to avoid the company of Mr. Bridge, and 
others, and their families, and to seek that of some other per- 
sons, whom he named : that he, Mr. Bridge, feeling much in- 
jured, required an explanation of Dr. Morse, which was giv- 
en him by the Doctor. Mr. Richardson then asked Mr. 
Bridge, in presence of the council, if Dr. Morse had not 
made some concessions to him. Mr. Bridge wished to be ex- 
cused from answering any such questions, as the Doctor and 
himself were on friendly terms, and wished nothing should be 
said which might interrupt their friendship. The committee, 
conceiving this to be an ex-parte and inconclusive evidence, 
wished that Dr. Morse might be heard. The council said, as 
Dr. Morse had not arrived, and as there were no other exv- 
dences to be given, they wished to be a few minutes by them- 
selves. The committee observed, they hoped the council 
would not adjourn, as they had many observations to make, 
as well as Dr. Morse's evidence to exhibit. The council re- 
plied, that they had not adjourned, but as they had been a 
considerable time in session, and felt somewhat exhausted, 
they wished to have a little respite, just to take breath ; inti- 
mating at the same time that the committee should be heard 
further. All present, except the council, accordingly retired. 
After the committee had waited some time, they began to sus- 
pect that there might be some misunderstanding between 
them and the council with regard to their being heard further, 
or that the council had determined to hear nothing more ; 
and handed in a written request that the ordination might be 
postponed until the fate of the petition for a separation should 
be known. Immediately after this a letter was received from 
the council of the opposition, containing their aciviGe. Ano- 
ther written request, founded on this advice, was sent to the 
council, viz. that the ordination might be posponed until a 
mutual council should be called to investigate the whole sub- 
ject, and determine on the expediency of Mr. Richardson's 
settlement in this place. To neither of these did the council 
return any answer, and in a short time it was proclaimed that 
the council would be in the meeting-house at half past twelve 
o'clock. Thus the committee were unexpectedly, and, a$ 
they conceived, unfairly, debarred from the privilege, which 
thev understood had been implicitly promised them, of sup-' 



t 27 } 

porting one of their most important charges, and making sucli 
observations on the whole subject as they deemed pertinent 
to the occasion. They believed the business was not closed, 
not only from the observations of the council, previous to their 
leaving the room, but from the circumstances of Mr. Richard- 
son's not having made his defence, and the papers which they 
held as evidences not having been called for by the council ; 
who appeared indifferent about their contents and about their 
authenticity. After the decision of the council, and just as 
they were separating, Dr. Morse's carriage drove up to the 
door, which was no later than half past 11 o'clock, A, M. It 
was remarked to them that Dr. Morse had arrived. Mr. 
Bentley said, l( We cannot help that," and they immediately 
dispersed. The Doctor entered with two other evidences, 
Messrs. Rockwood and Goodwin, and the moderator of the 
eouncil was sought for, and after some time found and intro- 
duced. Dr. Morse informed him that he had made great ex- 
ertions to come here; that such was the feeble state of his 
health, nothing but business of the greatest importance would 
have induced him to undertake the journey ; that he had come 
by the request of the opposers of Mr. Richardson, and in jus- 
tice to his own character (it having been said he dare not 
appear) as well as to the cause of that religion he was solemn- 
ly bound to protect. He then made some pertinent remarks 
«n the importance of the subject which engaged his present 
attention, and said he could prove, by such evidence as w r ould 
he considered conclusive in a court of justice, that Mr. Rich- 
ardson did not pay that regard to truth which a minister 
©ught to do, and that he had avowed principles fatal to the 
peace of civil society, and that in one instance at least he had 
acted on those principles. The moderator said he would 
communicate the matter to the council. The Doctor waited 
a considerable time with the committee without hearing from 
him, and finally sent a billet in order that he might have an. 
explicit answer whether he could be heard or not. No an- 
swer was given, and in a short time the procession set out 
■for the meeting-house. This important evidence, which the 
committee believe would have fully convicted Mr. Richardson, 
of the second charge before mentioned, they were prevented 
from bringing forward, under the frivolous pretence of a de- 
lay of time ; as if such a consideration ought to be set against 
the introduction of an improper character into the gospel mi- 
nistry. 



[ 28 ] 

It maybe proper here to state, that while the council were 
in session, several clergymen of the neighbourhood repeatedly 
applied to be admitted as hearers, as is customary in similar 
cases, but were refused : also that the opposition, though ex- 
cluded on Tuesday, were admitted on Wednesday, but not 
until it was a second time insisted on by the committee, and 
after it had been understood out of doors that they could not 
be admitted ; so that but three or four persons, and those by 
mere accident, had an opportunity of availing themselves of 
the privilege. 

Your committee have thus endeavoured to give a concise 
statement of the most material transactions which took place 
during this extraordinary business. It is impossible to give a 
just representation, on paper, of the behaviour of the council 
towards the committee, and the contemptuous light in which 
they appeared to view the opposition, as well as the serious 
charges which were exhibited. The committee forbear to 
express their feelings in language which the occasion would 
fully justify ; but would only remark generally, that they be- 
lieve, every charge which they brought forward against Mr. 
Richardson was completely substantiated, as ample evidence 
was adduced in support of them, and no documents, or evi- 
dence of any kind, to their knowledge, were produced to the 
council, which invalidated a single fact. 

The moderator of the council, though he was careful to in- 
form the congregation, when assembled in the meeting-house, 
that the council found nothing against Mr. Richardson to dis- 
qualify him for a gospel minister, was equally careful to avoid 
saying, that the allegations brought forward by the opposition 
were unsupported. The committee, therefore, after the op- 
portunity they have had to make themselves acquainted with 
the facts relative to the subject, are irresistibly led to the con- 
clusion, and feel it their duty to declare their belief, that these 
charges were entirely disregarded, and that Mr. Richardson 
was ordained by a partial council, selected for party purposes, 
and wholly under the influence of party considerations ; and 
that the whole transaction is without a parallel in the ecclesi- 
astical history of New England. 

Benjamin Lincoln, Nathan Rice, Samuel Norton, Tho- 
mas Loring, Abner Lincoln, Levi Lincoln, Robert Thaxter, 
Jerom Cushing, William Cusking, Committee. 

N. B. Ebenezer Gay, Esq. and Mr. Caleb Thaxter, were 



[ 29 ] 

of the committee, but from necessity were prevented from 
attending. 

Hingham, July, 1806. 

THE Rev. Mr. Norton, in conversation with a gentleman 
in Hingham, on the day of Mr. Richardson's ordination, hav- 
ing expressed a wish to obtain information on the subject in 
controversy, a copy of the foregoing report,* with sundry 
other documents, was some time after put into his hands by 
that gentleman. These documents occasioned the letter 
which we are now about to examine. 

The respect we have entertained for this gentleman, occa- 
sions some unpleasant sensations in proceeding on this part 
of our duty : but, as he has consented to the publication of 
his letter, with an earnest desire that it may be instrumental 
in the developement of truth; and as those Whose cause and 
character he has undertaken to advocate, place much reliance 
on his arguments for support, and consider them a complete 
refutation of the charges against Mr. Richardson, and that its 
publication would be an important favour conferred on the 
public ; he will certainly pardon us for attempting to analyse 

* The compilers of the " Vindication" say, 4 ' a strange occurrence threw this 
report into their hands"" What this strange occurrence Was } which so won- 
derfully threw this report into their hands, will appear, when it is known 
that the copy which they ohtained was handed them by Mr. Norton. In jus- 
tice, however, to that gentleman, we would exonerate him from any impro- 
priety which their insinuation seems to attach to this part of his conduct, 
by stating, that the person from whom he received it gave him full liberty 
to communicate it to whom he pleased. We would also add, that the ori- 
ginal was always open to the inspection of every one, with the liberty, of 
taking as many copies as they pleased. The' compilers seem to have a pe- 
culiar fondness for dealing in the marvellous, and representing themselves 
as under the guardian care of some propitious deity, who was always rea- 
dy to throw into their hands any thing which might have a tendency to fa- 
vour their cause, and defeat the designs of their opposers An instance of 
this kind occurs in the l6th page of their pamphlet, where they state, 
that a vote of the opposition, expressing their intention to oppose the or- 
dination of Mr. Richardson "fell into their hands.^ This intention of the 
opposition, which they so fortunately discovered by intercepting that docu- 
ment, as they pretend, was very well known to them, without any super- 
natural agency, or any very extraordinary accident, it having been the 
uniform declaration of the opposers, that they should use their exertions 
to prevent the ordination, unless an obligation should be signed by the 
other party not to oppose their act of incorporation. We believe the 
fact to be, that the compilers of the "Vindication" had been so much in 
the habit of conducting all their affairs in secret conclave, that they sus- 
pected the same conduct in their opposers. 



[ so i; 

it, and to show how far these several ends are answered by 
this production. 

After an elaborate introduction, which with some other cir- 
cumstances would incline us to believe it was originally in- 
tended for publication, had not the author declared to the 
contrary, Mr. Norton proceeds to state the leading considera- 
tions which influenced his mind in the case then before him. 

The first is the result of Mr. Richardson's ordaining coun- 
cil. To Mr. N. it is utterly incredible that such a council should 
have been unanimous in deciding as they did, had they be- 
lieved that Mr. Richardson xvas en unworthy and unsuita- 
ble man to be inducted into the gospel ministry in the toim 
of Bingham. To us we confess it is " hardly credible." But 
that so small a body of men (and for aught we know very 
good men too, though perhaps not remarkable for their firm- 
ness, independence, or discernment) should be misled by the 
volubility of a designing individual, is not to us so incredible. 
That this was the case in the instance before us, we are firm- 
ly persuaded from what passed under our own immediate ob- 
servation, notwithstanding Mr. N's belief to the contrary. 

The second consideration is drawn from several documents 
testifying to the respectability of Mr. R's character, &c. Here 
the letter writer labors much to prove the truth of what was 
never denied. We never pretended that Mr. Richardson did 
not belong to the church at Dartmouth College, nor that Dr. 
Smith did not furnish him with the usual certificates and re* 
commendations given to persons in his situation on leaving the 
college, nor that Dr. Cummings did not recommend him to 
Dr. Morse; that the selectmen and school committee of 
Charlestown had not a good opinion of him, nor that he did 
not often talk upon religious subjects with Deacon Goodwin, 
But what has all this to do with the specific charges brought 
against him by his opposers in Hingham ? Miss Robinson, it is 
probable, would have said as much in his favour one hour ber 
fore she was made acquainted with his infidelity to her, as all 
of them purtogether. All this kind of evidence, therefore, 
goes only to prove (if it proves any thing) that these gentle- 
men were deceived. As well might Gen. Arnold's friends 
plead his bravery at Quebec, in evidence that he was not a 
traitor at West Point. We are told in sacred history that 
Absalom by his arts and address « stoic the hearts of the men 



I 3 1 3 



•of Israel." Now the Israelites must have been sadly degene* 
rated and corrupted it there were not in this multitude which 
Absalom had won, many very good and respectable charac- 
ters, and from whom there can hardly exist a doubt that he 
might have obtained ample recommendations. Some of them 
would probably have gone so far as to say " that if any illibe* 
ral surmises or dishonourable charges were hinted to his preju- 
dice, they believed them to be wholly groundless." We 
think it morally certain that this was the case. But Mr. N. 
would think we did not treat the Bible with the respect 
which is due, did we conclude from this that Absalom was 
not a rebellious son. 

After enumerating the documents above alluded to, and 
expressing his confidence in the same, Mr. N. proceeds to ex- 
amine the report of the committee ; but first lays down the 
following premises or principles by which to be governed in 
judging of the opinions and statements therein contained, viz. 
"Such is the moral constitution or organization of man, as to 
render him extremely liable to view objects, and especially 
under certain circumstances, through a false and deceptious 
medium, and to give them a correspondent description." 

Although Mr. N. disclaims any such intention, we find him 
applying these remarks almost exclusively to the committee 
and their witnesses. 

From these premises Mr. N. is led to observe, that he can- 
not easily persuade himself to admit, &c. Here he quotes the 
most prominent parts of the report relative to the council, and 
then very charitably supposes that, although he does not be- 
lieve what the committee have stated, they were not guilty 
of designed misrepresentations, but iC that the imperfections, 
inseparable from human nature, had some secret influence in 
biassing their minds and directing the pen." A great stretch of 
charity indeed ! At this distant period, however, when the 
4S deceptious medium " which then obscured their mental vi* 
sion, and the mists of prejudice which oppressed their minds, 
might be supposed in some measure to have evaporated, their 
views are still the same, and their opinion remains unaltered, 

Mr. N. cannot believe that the gentlemen criminated by 
the declarations and charges in the report, are so devoid of 
the principles of integrity and religion, as to conduct in the 
manner represented. But why should not the same premises 
which led him to believe the committee had not told the 



I 32 ] 

iruth, also lead him to believe that these gentlemen might un- 
consciously be in some degree under the secret influence of the 
.imperfection inseparable from human nature ? We by no 
means suppose, with Mr. N. that if the truth of the state- 
ments in the report are admitted, the necessary conclusion is, 
that all the members of the council are devoid of the princi- 
.ples of integrity and religion ; and we think in this we have 
his own reasoning for our support. 

In the statements made in the report relative to Mr. Rich- 
ardson's call and answer of acceptance, there is no error of 
consequence; but as Mr. N. does not consider this matter of 
much importance, he does not appear to have made up his 
mind respecting its truth : we will therefore add nothing on 
this subject. 

Mr. N. then proceeds to examine the charges of a specific 
nature, but he proceeds apparently under a very wrong im- 
pression. We could not have believed, had not the gentle- 
man himself told us so, that he could have supposed it was 
the intention of the committee to state every particular evi- 
dence or testimony which they produced to the council in sup- 
port of their charges, when the report was made to those wh© 
were already acquainted with most of them, and when he 
finds that in support of one of the charges, " no specific testi- 
mony" is stated. Could he suppose the committee -were so 
weak as to bring forward a charge against Mr. R. when they 
knew they had nothing to support it ? or, having done this, 
that they were so stupid as to believe it was completely sub- 
stantiated ? If not, it was trifling with common sense, to say 
that the existence of any evidence in support of a charge was 
problematical, and at the same time that he did not think the 
committee made a designed misrepresentation when they de- 
clared they believed such a charge was completely substan- 
tiated. 

In support of the first charge, the committee have referred 
to the decision of court as one evidence. This decision Mr. 
N. is led to believe incorrect and injurious ; partly from the 
declaration of Mr. Richardson's counsel, and partly from such 
documents (which he is not at liberty to mention in relation 
to their source) as explicitly and solemnly declare that Mr, 
Richardson never made any promise of marriage, &c. After 
examining the evidences on both sides of the question in this 
case, the writer concludes that the testimony in favour of the 



[ 33 j 

accused is equally strong as against him. But we would in* 
vite the gentleman to look over this evidence again, and see 
whether his conclusion is correct. In the first place, there 
is the opinion of Mr. Richardson's council on one side, and we 
have no doubt that of Miss Robinson's might have been ob- 
tained to balance it ; but as it was not, we will set the Rev. 
Mr. Barton's testimony against it, an essential part of which 
Mr. Norton has omitted. This we think ought to prepon- 
derate, but we will call it even. Then there is the secret 
evidence, which, though Mr. Norton is not at liberty to men- 
tion in relation to its source, every one will perceive could 
come from no one but Mr. Richardson himself; for who could 
know that he never made any promise of marriage, &c. ex- 
cept himself and Miss Robinson ? and she declares he did. 
Now Mr. Richardson was certainly a very interested per- 
son ; his veracity also stood impeached. For these reasons 
therefore, and for other reasons, which may be found under 
the head of our remarks on Mr. Bentley's letter, we con- 
tend that the declarations of Miss Robinson ought to have 
much more weight than those of Mr. Richardson ; but for the 
sake of accommodation in the argument we will set one a- 
gainst the other : thus we have all the testimony which Mr. 
Norton mentioned in favour of the accused, and the scales 
are adjusted. Now we have the unanimous opinion of twelve 
impartial men, under oath, to whom the case was referred, 
and by whom both parties were heard. This opinion has 
been confirmed, before the publication of Mr. N's. letter, by 
twelve other impartial men, also under oath, and by whom 
both parties were also heard. This we have to throw into 
the scale against the accused, which we think even Mr. N. 
himself will not hesitate to acknowledge must decidedly pre- 
ponderate. 

Mr. N. objects to Miss Robinson's letter as manifesting a 
want of delicacy, &c. Had not the writer exhausted all his 
charity on less worthy objects, we should have supposed, from 
his known benevolence, he might have found some apology 
for the severity of her language, in the abruptness with 
wiiich a long and strong attachment was broken, and the 
suddenness and severity of her disappointment. 

In regard to the second charge, Mr. N. after recapitulating 
what is said about it in the report, from whleh it appears that 
no evidence in support of it was adduced, in a triumphant 

K 



[ S4 ] 

manner inquires, "Why then do the committee say that they 
believe every charge which they brought forward was com- 
pletely substantiated, &c." We would not accuse the gen- 
tleman of a want of candour, when he professes so much of 
it ; but surely a little attention to the report must have con- 
vinced him that the committee did not consider this as one of 
the charges brought forward by them. They expressly say it 
was postponed. The statement afterwards made by Mr. 
Bridge was made at the request of the other party, and his re- 
lation of facts, as far as it goes, certainly gives support to the 
charge. Mr. Bridge testified that Mr. Richardson did divulge 
a communication; which from its nature must have been con- 
fidential : it remained to be proved by Dr. Morse and others 
that this act was premeditated, and that the communication 
was. misrepresented. 

The third charge Mr. N. considers unsubstantiated, because 
it was not attested by two or three witnesses. We confess 
we supposed that if a fact was attested by a credible witness, 
and was tacitly admitted by the person accused, it would be 
considered as fully substantiated. If this were not sufficient, 
however, Dr. Morse, Mr. Rockwood and Mr. E. Goodwin, 
had they been permitted, would have testified to the same, 
and then we should have had three or four witnesses. But if 
it had been thus substantiated, Mr. N. does not admit that the 
principle which Mr. Richardson avow r ed was a dangerous one, 
• because cases may exist in which a person would be justified, 
and it would even be his duty, to divulge a confidential com- 
munication. But because a person is justified in acting on such 
a principle in particular cases, does it follow that he is justifi- 
ed in making it a general principle of action ? This appears to 
have been the case with Mr. Richardson, although Mr. N. 
with his usual charity, supposes he had some mental reserva- 
tion. 

Under the head of the fourth charge is noticed the testimo- 
ny of Mr. Adams of Charlestown,. which, though given un- 
der oath by a disinterested person, the writer considers as 
entitled to no more weight than Mr. R's declaration to the 
contrary ! In support of the fifth charge Mr. N. says no 
evidence is stated, and thence concludes that none exists. 
We have already made a sufficient explanation in relation to 
this circumstance, which we should have really supposed the 
gentleman might have anticipated. \ 



[ 35 ] 

The assertion of Mr. Adams of Acton, the writer supposes 
was not wilfully incorrect, but that it was unhappily so. It 
is truly singular that a man of common understanding should 
be so totally mistaken in the expressions and design of ano- 
ther, as to believe he wished to impress on the minds of a 
company any particular sentiment, when in fact he had no 
such intention, but would rather have wished the reverse ; 
and how Mr. N. can satisfy his own mind as he does, when 
he appears to have nothing but the testimony or declarations 
of an accused person on which to found his opinion, is no less 
singular. 

The sixth charge the committee have said was self-evident, 
and needed no proof. Mr. N. asks, What was self-evident ? 
We answer, that certain facts arose to the view of the coun- 
cil, in the course of the discussion, which the committee be- 
lieved went to support this charge. It was evident to the 
council, without its being particularly stated to them by the 
committee, that a considerable opposition to the settlement of 
Mr. R. existed in the parish, from the circumstance of a 
committee being admitted to state their objections, and from 
•a protest in their possession, with about fifty signatures. It 
was evident, from what appeared on investigating the sub- 
ject, independently of this charge, that in Mr. R's call and 
acceptance, the established customs were disregarded, and 
improper innovations introduced ; and that a subsequent call 
and acceptance, or perhaps more properly a civil contract 
between the parish and Mr. R. was totally unprecedented ; 
and had the council indulged a little reflection on the subject, 
it must we think have appeared evident to them that much 
unhappiness was the natural consequence of these things, and 
that Mr. R. was an instrument in promoting it, and that he 
could not have resided in the parish so long without knowing 
these consequences. It was also evident, from the circum- 
stance of a council being called for the ordination, that he 
was determined to remain in the parish, notwithstanding the 
consequences. It was the intention of the committee to have 
remarked on this charge in -conclusion of the business, had 
they been admitted into the council chamber after they re- 
tired with such an expectation ; but as they were not, it was 
not brought forward to the council. 

Mr. N. has laboured through sixteen pages, to say what 
appears to us to amount to little more than this, that he &e= 



[ 36 ] 

lieves the committee and the witnesses they produced were 
entirely mistaken, but that Mr. R. in his statements is per- 
fectly correct. If we have placed wrong constructions on 
any part of his letter, or have been uncandid hi our remarks, 
we hope he will forgive us, and exercise his usual charity 
for our imperfections. 

Having noticed Mr. N's. reasoning on the contents of the 
report, it may not be improper to state some circumstances 
relative to his conduct in this business, for which we will not 
undertake to account. In the introduction, as an apology for 
addressing his letter to Col. Rice, he observes, that he had 
received sundry documents, which he supposed were commu- 
nicated by him, although they were delivered by another 
hand. We are authorised to say that Mr. N. was informed, 
long before the publication of his letter, that Col. Rice had 
no agency whatever in the business, but that those documents 
were furnished him in consequence of a wish to see them, 
some time before expressed by him to the person who furnish- 
ed them. Yet Mr. N. suffers his letter to be published in its 
original form, without noticing this circumstance. He may 
consider this a trifling circumstance ; but when he considers 
that any correspondence or conversation with clergymen, by 
the opposers of Mr. Richardson, is immediately construed by 
his adherents into an attempt to deceive them, and prevent 
intercourse between them and him ; and the persecution which 
is the consequence of such suspicions; he will not perhaps 
think it so trifling. We are also authorised to say, that Mr, 
K. was at the same time informed that it was not the inten- 
tion of the committee to state in their report every evidence 
they exhibited to the council, but that they had proofs and 
documents in their possession, in addition to those stated, 
which he might examine ; and that they could probably sa- 
tisfy him that every tiring contained in their report w T as cor- 
rect. This Mr. N. could not consider very trifling ; yet, 
though he has several times since been in Hingham, he hasr 
juever taken the trouble to call on any of the committee to in- 
quire for truth, nor has he noticed this circumstance, wherr 
consenting to the publication of his letter. Mr. N. undoubted- 
ly has his reasons for all this, but it is not incumbent on us to 
account for his conduct, or to develope his motives. lit Mr. 
Richardson has address enough to lead Mr. N. to believe that 
his religious tenets are correspondent to his own, and at the 



[ 37 ] 

same time persuade the people of his parish, that he subscribes 
to theirs, however different from those of Mr. Norton, w<i 
leave them both in the quiet enjoyment of the benefits of his 
ingenuity. 

Having shewn, as we believe, that Mr. N's reasoning is 
not very forcible, his arguments not very cogent, and his 
conclusions not very correct, we leave him to justify his mo- 
tives to his own conscience, and proceed to a more difficult 
part of our subject. The Rev. Mr. Bentley next claims our 
attention. 

Had some courteous friend, better versed in the Bentleian 
language than ourselves, kindly furnished us with a transla- 
tion of his letter, we might perhaps have proceeded with as 
much ease in this, as in any part of the business we have un- 
dertaken. We will attempt however, to select from his 
string of enigmas some passages, the meaning of which, with 
the help of a little guess xvork, we may possibly be able to 
discover. 

The first thing which attracts our notice is, an insinuation 
that the committee of the opposition refused their papers to 
the council. ** That men who refused to trust their papers 
for one night with a council, should pretend that they were 
not heard, were neglected, were treated with contempt, is 
indeed extraordinary.'* However extraordinary this- may 
appear to Mr. B. to others, who know that gentleman, we 
presume it will appear highly probable, that the conduct of 
the council under his controul might have been such as to 
f^rove they were not trust-worthy, and justify a refusal of the 
papers, as well as a subsequent complaint of contemptuous 
treatment. But, however unworthy of confidence the coun- 
cil might appear to the committee, the papers were noi . 
refused.* / 

As Mr. B's. insinuation is in direct contradiction to what is 
contained in the report, it was incumbent on him to state 
what papers were refused, and all the circumstances attend- 
ing the refusal, that his insinuation might carry with it some 
evidence of truth. He found it, however, much easier to 
contradict than to prove. As the refusal of papers is several 

* In the course of the discission, some of the papers were laid an the 
council's table, and one of them remained in their hands, which was ac- 
tually carried to Salem by Mr .Bentley, aad was not obtained until applica- 
tion was mad? fcy letter sonic weeks afterwards. 



[ 38 ] 

times noticed in the w Vindication," we will make a state- 
ment relative to this subject. On the afternoon previous to 
the day of the ordination, the committee appeared before the 
council, and when the reading of papers was commenced, the 
moderator inquired if those papers were to be given up for 
their inspection : to which it was replied, that when the ccm- 
mittee had gone through with the investigation, the papers 
should all be given up to them. The person reading them 
then proceeded, and nothing more was said on that subject 
until some time in the evening; when one of the committee 
was making some remarks on the charge against Mr. Rich- 
ardson of a breach of promise of marriage. To assist his me- 
mory, he had made some minutes in writing, among which 
were a number of quotations from Mr. Richardson's letters to 
Miss Robinson. When these were read, Mr, Bentley inquir- 
ed if the committee had not the letters ; observing, that these 
extracts might be very partial, and so connected in the origi- 
nal letters as to give them a very different complexion. He 
was answered by the gentleman, that the committee had co- 
pies of those letters, which they intended to read, but that these 
extracts were read at that time merely to illustrate the obser- 
vations he was making. Mr. Richardson then rose, and said, 
he should object to any copies of letters being read. It was 
then asked by one of the council, if the committee had not the 
originals. They w*ere answered in the affirmative, but that 
copies were taken to prevent the necessity of using the origi- 
nals, which were much worn, and would be wanted at the tri- 
al of the case they affected, at the Supreme Court. " Have 
you the originals ?" said Mr. Richardson : {< I should like to see 
them." " They are at the service of the council, said the 
gentleman speaking, who may compare them with the copies, 
and return them, if the copies are correct, but may keep the 
latter." The letters were then produced by another of the 
committee, who was about to hand them to the person speak- 
ing, when the moderator asked if the letters contained any 
thing which went to prove the fact in question, which was 
not contained in the extracts. He was answered, that the 
extracts which had been read, and some other passages of 
similar import, were all they contained to the point. He then 
said he saw no necessity of spending time to read them. "No, 
said Mr. Bentley, if that is the case, there is no need of spend- 
ing time to read them." The letters were then put up 3gain, 



[ 39 ] 

and the committee were requested by the council to proceed. 
Nothing more was said, then or at any time after, either on 
that evening or the next day, about papers being given up. 
Should it be asked, why they were not delivered to the coun- 
cil without any further application on their part, we refer to 
the report of the committee for a satisfactory answer.* 

" The committee complain, says Mr. B. that one of the 
council was father in law to Mr, Richardson, &c." They 
have indeed stated this fact, but have left every person to 
make his own comments. Mr. B. undertakes to justify this 
by the authority of common usage ; which seems to be for 
candidates to " invite their dearest friends" to assist at their 
ordination. Why then, we in our turn would ask, were 
Messrs. Barker, Bentley and Briggs invited ? Was it because 
they were the " dear friends" of Mr. Richardson ? or was it 
because they had any immediate connexion with the church 
in Hingham ? or because they agreed with the church, or the 
candidate, or with each other, in theological sentiments ? Or 
was 4t for party purposes ? 

But, however proper and laudable it may be, on ordinary 
occasions, where unanimity prevails, to invite the friends 
of the candidate to assist at his ordination, and to rejoice with 
him, and the church and congregation committed to his pasto- 
ral care, on a pleasing and solemn event, yet where there 
exists a formidable opposition against him, on account of se- 
rious charges against his moral character, we conceive he 
ought to be tried by persons as free as possible from any kind 
of prejudice; by men who possess firmness and independence, 
as well as principle. - 1 

Mr. B. says, ** What shall we think of a report which be- 
gins in such a manner, complains of the common usages of 
churches, and then dares to say, in the conclusion, that the 
most regular proceedings are contrary to the usages of the 
New England churches ? All this we deny : the report says 
no such thing ; and we challenge the ingenuity of Mr. B. to 
prove that it does, 

*Here we are sensible our testimony stands opposed to that of a number 
of our fellow townsmen, as weil as to Mr. Bentley's. We appeal, however, 
to every impartial person to decide who are entitled to the most credit, 
those who had the power of conducting matters as they pleased, yet seclud- 
ed themselves in a corner, where but kw could be witnesses of their pro* 
ceedings, or those who courted public inspection, but were not able to oh- 
taia it.. 



I 40 ] 

' "l^he council/' he says, "had no improper conference with 
tfre eommittee" [of the parish.] Where then did he get his 
incorrect information that there were so few of the opposi- 
tion, that the place in which the council was assembled was 
sufficiently spacious to accommodate them all ? and that they 
paid no part of the parish expenses? We conceive that any 
conference with either committee, when the other was not 
present, was improper; because incorrect statements might 
be made without contradiction, and a wrong bias given to the 
minds of the council. If any statements were made, or any 
documents produced to the council, by the committee of the 
parish, it was done previous to our attendance; whereas eve- 
ry thing of the kind done on our part was in their presence. 

Passing over a jumble of words, which require no animad- 
version, as we are obliged to do in many instances, we come 
to the following: "But they [the committee] go on and say, 
that the council was determined not to admit any charges not 
contained in the protest, and then concede that other charges 
were heard. How then could they be sure of such determina- 
tion?" This Mr. B. calls a contradiction, But we see no 
natural impossibility in the council's being induced to change - 
their determination, and no contradiction in saying they did. 
The committee, however, did not say that such was the de- 
termination of the council ; they merely stated their opinion. 

Mr. B. says, the usages in the Presbyterian church require 
that an accused person shall be allowed at least ten days to 
make his defence. This is said in allusion to the fact to which- 
Mr. Adams of Acton testified. This fact was one, among ma- 
ny others, which Mr. Richardson's opposers had heard by re-: 
port. These reports were many ofthemsowetl authenticated 
as to leave no doubt on their minds of their truth, but were 
not, under existing circumstances, susceptible of positive proof, 
the time which elapsed between the appointment of the or- 
dination, and its consummation, being so short as to render it 
impossible to obtain from distant places all the evidence which 
a longer time would have enabled them to procure. The 
committee did not know that they should be able to produce 
-my evidence of the charge above alluded to, until they beard 
that Mr. Adams was in town ; and his being here was rather 
an accidental circumstance, of which they were not previous- 
ly apprised. Indeed, though they had frequently heard of Mr,. 
iWlmdson's having spoken disrespectfully of the clergy,., and 



[• 41 ] 

ridiculed the profession, at different times and places, they 
had not heard of this particular instance until Mr. Adam^ 
arrival, and they thought it perfectly proper to avail them- 
selves of his presence to substantiate the accusation. It there- 
fore rested with the council to allow Mr. R. the necessary 
time to produce the evidence of his innocence. 

Mr. B. next comes to the conduct of the council. The 
reasons he assigns for their refusal to comply with the request 
of the committee, by adjourning to the meeting-house, were, 
that it would occasion unnecessary delays, and that the place 
in which they were assembled would accommodate all inter- 
ested persons. The first was undoubtedly a great objection 
in the mind of Mr. B. who appeared to be anxious to accom- 
plish the object of his visit with all possible dispatch, and to 
« make short work of it." But when he said that all persons, 
interested in the settlement of a minister, in a parish contain- 
ing upwards of three hundred families, could be accommodat- 
ed in a room sixteen by thirty feet, he surely could not ex- 
pect that many people would, be so credulous as to believe it. 
He says, f All such interested persons were permitted to en- 
ter." We assert, on the contrary, that two persons were sta- 
tioned at the door to prevent interested persons from entering. 
He says, " It was a just and necessary inquiry, whether the 
place could receive the opposers ; and the council was con- 
vinced that they might be well accommodated." We say, 
no such inquiry was made of- the committee of the opposers, 
■And if the council were convinced of that fact, they were 
-convinced of what was not true. He says, <c If any measures 
were adopted to prevent such an accommodation as was pro- 
vided by the council, such measures should have been re- 
ported to the council, and not have been made a subject of 
complaint after the council was dissolved." We say, it was 
reported to the council, and, by considerable exertion on the 
part of the committee, instructions were finally given to the 
constables stationed to guard the door, to admit the opposers; 
but, as has been before stated, it was at so late an hour that 
it was of very little consequence. It is not much to be won- 
dered at, however, that a man who was so intent on the 
main object, the ordination, (for we believe it rarely happens 
that Mr. B. has an opportunity of figuring at an ordination) 
and so regardless of every thing else, should, six months af- 
terwards, be ignorant of many things which took place, an4 

I 



[ 42 ) 

in making a statement of them, be guilty of gross misrcpre* 
sentation. 

The next glaring mistatement in Mr. B's letter is, « that 
the committee proposed to unite the ex-parte council with 
the ordaining council ; and by neglecting to state that fact, 
the whole business," he says, " is misrepresented." So far 
from this being true, it was expressly stated by the person 
who made the proposal for their admission into the council 
chamber, that the committee did not expect this council to 
have any voice or influence in the ordination, but only wished 
they might be admitted to hear the merits of the subject, 
that they might be qualified to advise the opposition. One 
of the council said, on this subject, « they had no notion of 
having a jury upon their conduct." This excludes the idea 
of uniting the two councils. Why men who are acting with 
conscious integrity should be unwilling to have witnesses to 
their conduct, we cannot tell. 

Mr. B. says, " The committee attempted to discourage the 
examination of the witnesses." What he builds this asser- 
tion upon, we cannot conjecture. We know that no such at- 
tempts were made, and we think few people will be so simple 
as to believe that any man, or set of men, would attempt to 
discourage the examination of witnesses whom they had 
brought forward to support the allegations they themselves 
had made. 

" Such a disposition," says he " was discovered to over- 
whelm a young man by the worst construction of all his ac- 
tions, as must have alarmed every upright man." It is truly 
laughable that Mr. Bentley should talk of being alarmed at 
such a disposition. As this assertion, however, like many 
others in his letter, is unsupported by evidence, we will ha- 
zard our own in opposition to it ; that no disposition was 
discovered to place a worse construction on Mr. Richardson's 
actions, than facts would justify, and every upright man, who 
had a correct view of those facts, fully approve. 

Mr. B. next comes (as he says) " to the examination, and 
the first regards a supposed promise of marriage. The state 
of facts appears to be, that the opposers had sent to Dr. 
Cummings, in whose house Mr. Richardson lived when the 
affair happened, for his judgment on the matter ; and he 
wrote, that, as far as it was known to him, it was a venial 
©fence, -Sec. and afterwards he gave him an ample recom- 



[ 43 ] 

infendation.* Mr. B. has here attempted to divert the atten- 
tion of his reader from the material facts, by introducing some 
circumstances under the imposing name of the state of facts, 
•which do not in the least affect the merits of the case, and, 
to give the imposition the greater weight, has annexed the 
name of Dr. Cummings, by pretending to quote from the 
Doctor's letter a passage or sentiment which it does not con- 
tain. The real state of facts may be much better known by 
application to the records of the inferior court at Concord, or 
the Supreme Judical Court at Cambridge, than from Mr. B's 
letter. The passage, "he afterwards gave him an ample 
recommendation," stands so connected in that letter, as to 
lead the reader to believe (if he believed Mr. Bentley) that the 
«f ample recommendation " was given by Dr. Cummings af- 
ter the application of the opposers before mentioned. This is 
not true. So far from it, the Doctor says, in the letter 
from which Mr. B. pretends to quote, " that some of the 
reports in circulation respecting Mr. Richardson, are so cir- 
cumstanced as to lay a foundation to suspect that all is not 
-right; and that the impressions of such a suspicion may rea- 
sonably restrain him from, recommending without further 
inquiry." If Mr. B. means that this "ample recommenda- 
tion " was given after the young lady was discarded, he is 
correct ; but it was before the circumstances of the affair 
were publicly known, and when Dr. Cummings probably 
knew nothing of them except from Mr. Richardson himself. 

*' The attorney at law," says Mr. B. (< was sent to after 
the action against Mr. R. issued, and he wrote most expressly 
that nothing criminal had appeared." It ought here to be 
known, that although the action had issued at the inferior 
court, the cause was still pending, on an appeal, at the su- 
preme court, and that this same attorney was engaged by 
Mr. Richardson, to make the best of it. That an attorney, 
under such circumstances, should say that nothing criminal 
had appeared in the conduct of his client, must indeed be 
*• confirmation, strong as proof from holy writ," of his inno- 
cence. 

The letter writer proceeds : u The method adopted to ex? 
cite prejudice was taken from the judgment of court. No- 
thing was said of a possible charge against the innocent ; 
nothing of the nature of many civil actions, which admit 3 
good general character, nothing of the influence which coujci 



C 44 ] 

be used after disappointment, for particular end?, and nothing 
of the true grounds of separation." What, we would 
ask, should have been said on these subjects ? who should 
have said it ? and who neglected to say it ? This passage, 
if it has any meaning, is one of those knotty ones, which a 
person less skilful than Mr. B. we presume would be unable 
to unravel. We strongly suspect that if he were to attempt 
an explanation, he would but involve it in tenfold obscurity. 
We will therefore, in despair of even making a satisfactory 
guess at the author's meaning, pass it over, and proceed with 
the examination. 

" The reporter, therefore, he says, [that is, because some- 
body neglected to say something about w r e cannot tell what] 
chose to go on, and by producing, as of great importance, 
letters from the memory of the accuser, of which the ac- 
cused denied ever having seen the originals, confirmed the 
council that nothing could be safely inferred against the 
general character of Mr. Richardson," &c. The council, it 
seems, had some doubts whether Mr. Richardson's character 
was perfectly correct, until the committee entirely removed 
them by producing these letters, which confirmed them that 
nothing could be inferred against it. This w r e confess is 
something novel, that documents accusing a person of infide- 
lity and falsehood, and from one who had felt the effects of 
this conduct, should be received by his judges as proof posi- 
tive that nothing could be inferred against him. Yet such, 
according to appearances at the time of the ordination, and 
according to Mr. B's letter, was the fact. 

u And therefore," says the letter, " the council proceeded 
upon the judgment already given, and not upon any review 
•which might be taken, as this fact [the breach of promise] 
was before, but the action after, the approbation given by the 
Andover Association." By the judgment already given, 
seems to be intended, the approbation of the Andover Associa- 
tion, which, as Mr. B. says, was before the civil action ; and 
it was before the transactions on which the other charges 
against Mr. Richardson were founded ; and yet the council, 
lie tells us, proceeded upon this judgment. The waiter has 
here, we think, though perhaps unintentionally, acknowledg- 
ed that the committee were correct in an opinion stated in 
their report, "that the council had predetermined to disregard 
every objection which should be made to Mr. R's character.'* 



I 45 ] 

He has here declared, we must repeat it, that they proceeded 
upon the judgment given when Mr. rVs character had not 
teen called in question, and not upon any review which 
might be taken of his subsequent misconduct. 

"Of what nature," Mr. B. asks, « are recollected letters ?" 
These letters^ which he calls " recollected letters," were not 
copied from memory, as one would suppose from the expres- 
sion, but were copied from the originals, previous to their 
being sent to the persons to whom they were addressed* 
When the writer was applied to for these copies, not having 
the originals to compare them, she could only make oath that 
the copies were correct according to the best of her recol- 
lection. This she did, and this we believe would have satis- 
fied any reasonable person, that they were sufficiently cor- 
rect, should no question arise respecting her veracity. To re- 
move any doubts on this point, we have the testimony of a 
number of the most respectable gentlemen in Westford, 
among whom are the selectmen, " that they are acquainted 
with Miss Robinson [the writer of those letters] and that she 
has ever sustained a strictly virtuous reputation." Mr. Bent- 
ley lays much stress upon the recommendation of Mr. Rich- 
ardson from the selectmen of Charlestown, and we see no 
reason why the selectmen of Westford are not entitled to 
equal credit. The oath of a person whose character is thus 
established, and xvhose veracity has never been called in 
question, we consider sufficient to prove the truth of any fact 
of the nature of that to which she has sworn. We therefore 
consider it sufficiently proved that Miss Robinson did write 
two letters to Mr. Richardson, of which those exhibited to 
the council were correct copies. Whether Mr. R. received 
these letters, or not, does not at all affect their contents. 
The probability is, that he did, as she would undoubtedly en- 
trust them to some careful hand to deliver. To determine 
the u nature " of these letters, and the weight they ought to 
have as evidence of the fact of which Mr. Richardson is ac- 
cused, it is necessary to ascertain when they were written— 
under what circumstances — what was the object of the writ- 
er — and what were their contents. 

These letters were written after the receipt of his letter 
requesting her to K place no more confidence in him," 
but before a prosecution was commenced, or probably 
thought of. The first of these contains the most earnest so- 



[ 4(1 ] 

imitations for an interview, that some explanation might be 
made on his part, of his unexpected conduct, and that, if 
they must part, it might be in peace and harmony. After re- 
peating these solicitations, both by verbal message and in, 
writing, without success — despairing of accomplishing her ob- 
ject, and feeling a just indignation for his treatment of her, 
she adopted that mode of proceeding which to every one must 
appear justifiable : in her last letter she placed before him a 
picture of his own conduct, and reproached him in the sever- 
est terms for his infidelity and falsehood. The object at 
•whicn she was aiming could be accomplished by nothing but 
by telling him the truth, for truth only could excite compunc- 
tion and remorse in his breast ; and therefore truth only 
could answer her purpose. To cur minds, therefore, they 
carry much conviction, and, with the other facts and cir- 
cumstances connected with the affair, are ample evidence of 
his guiit. 

" In regard to the principle said to be justified by Mr. 
Richardson," says Mr. B. "it appeared that it was forced 
from him in a state of unavoidable irritation, and in justifica- 
tion of his conduct." The principle here alluded to is, that 
he was at liberty to divulge confidential communications. 
That Mr. Richardson made such an avowal, Mr. B. admits, 
and we believe no one denies. Now Mr. Richardson avow- 
ed a principle which either was or was not his own. If it 
was his own, very few will deny that he is a dangerous man 
in society, especially as it seems (by its being forced from him) 
he meant to have concealed it, and only to have acted upon 
it as occasion might require. If it was not his own, then he 
had recourse to falsehood to vindicate conduct, which, it 
would seem, could not be vindicated by truth. In this alter- 
native we leave Mr. Richardson to his choice. 

Mr. B. says, " The letter in which Dr. Morse communicat- 
ed this affair " (meaning, as we guess, the affair in which 
the Doctor was implicated) « could not be obtained by the 
council." Dr. Morse never communicated this affair in a let- 
ter. He made a verbal statement to some individuals of Mr. 
Richardson's adherents, as well as his opposers, and had given 
his opinion in writing, that for reasons thus stated M. Rich- 
ardson was an unsuitable man in point of moral character to 
be employed in the gospel ministry. He had also stated in 
writing the terms on which Mr. Richardson stood with hi? 



[ 47 ] 

church respecting communion, but preferred appearing per* 
sonally before the council to make a statement of the affait 
above alluded to. The documents above mentioned would 
have been exhibited at the proper time, had the committee 
been suffered to bring forward the affair to which they relat- 
ed, after Dr. Morse's arrival. 

In speaking of the charge against Mr. Richardson of hav- 
ing made a false statement (respecting Mr. Adams of Charles- 
town) in his letter of defence to the parish, Mr. B. supposes 
he was amply vindicated from a designed misrepresentation, 
because Mr, Adams and Mr. Hoar testified, that a year or 
two before this statement was made, and previous to the dif- 
ficulty which occasioned their separation, his treatment of 
them was unquestionably good ! ! The reader, we presume, 
will not hesitate much in forming his opinion of a man who 
will reason thus, and of a cause and character which have no 
better support than such a man and such reasoning; 

** As to the new cnarge," says the letter writer, (of a 
contemptuous opinion of his profession) " it was denied by 
Mr. Richardson." Here we must again contradict this 
reverend gentleman. Mr. R. did not deny it. In support of 
this we appeal to his own statement, in a note, in the 39th 
page of the " Vindication." He merely said, he did not re- 
collect ever to have expressed such an opinion. We con- 
ceive that a candidate for the ministry ought to be able to do 
something more than this — that he ought to be able absolute- 
ly to deny such a charge. An apprehension, however, that 
other evidence could be obtained in support of it, we presume 
forbade his doing this,and his not doing it we think may fairly 
be construed into a consciousness, that he had the disposition, 
and very probably did express the opinion ascribed to him by 
Mr. Adams. 

" The sixth charge," Mr. B. says, <c may arise against 
every candidate in towns where divisions arise. But because 
there is a division in a place respecting a candidate for the 
ministry, does it follow that he is justified in accepting an 
irregular and improper call, and residing in the place under 
circumstances of an unprecedented nature ? for Mr. R. not 
only gave his answer in the affirmative to a call from the 
parish without the concurrence of the church, but he after* 
wards entered into a civil contract to become their public 
teacher of religion until he should be ordained, or until his 



[ 48 ] 

opposers consented to certain propositions ; and this, too, 
knowing the ^division and unhappiness which it occasioned, 
not only in the parish, but in private families, and among 
friends and connexions. Mr. R's opposers conceived, that in 
suffering himself to be imposed on so many who disliked him, 
and especially in the manner he had done, he manifested a 
disposition very incompatible with that love of peace and 
harmony and usefulness, which a minister of the gospel ought 
to enforce by his example as well as his teaching. Nor was 
this sentiment confined to his opposers, nor to the parish* 
Many people, who had not perhaps so full a knowledge of 
facts as those who had been uniform in their opposition, or 
did not view them in the same light, considered the call a 
touchstone by which to try his character, and his acceptance 
an evidence that it was not good ; and voted for him, that he 
might, as they thought, go off with honour ; but deprecated 
his acceptance as a measure highly improper on his part, and 
dangerous to the union of the parish. Some of them, how- 
ever, considered themselves pledged by their vote and other 
proceedings, and did not withdraw. Some others, who have 
since joined those who were his first opposers, considered 
themselves absolved from any obligations to support him, by 
the subsequent irregular proceedings of him and the parish.* 

« As his character," says Mr. B. u had been violently at- 
tacked in Hingham, his presence was necessary to repel it.' 5 
It had been attacked in no other way than by a statement of 
facts, which he has never been able to invalidate, except by 
his own assertions, notwithstanding his presence for that 
purpose. 

(C To retreat was death.?' The writer could not mean a 
natural death ; he must have meant death to his hopes of ae 
settlement in the ministry. We shall not contest this ques- 
tion with Mr. B. but leave it to be settled, by him and Mr* 

* Admitting, what we are confident will be readily admitted by all ex- 
cept the adherents of Mr. R. that the meeting of the First Church on the 
9th of January 1806 was a legal meeting ; what becomes of the legality of 
Mr. R's Ordination ? At that meeting the church " voted to nonconcur the 
doings of the parish in the call of Mr. R. and protest against the same." 
This vote was never reconsidered by any subsequent vote, but still stands 
fair and uncontradicted on the records of the First Church ; and it was not 
till many months after that ordination, that the opposers waved their. 
right of precedency. 

Yet Mr. Bentley and others pretended to ©rdaia Mr. R. over the First 
Church ia Hiugbam. 



[ 4d ] 

Richardson's adherents, who are not very highly complimented 
in being told, as we conceive they are in effect, that a majo- 
rity of persons could not be found in any other parish who 
would consent to have a man of Mr. R's character for their 
gospel minister. 

« It must be considered a strange misrepresentation," con- 
tinues our author, " that the reporters said they had more ob- 
servations to make, and that men who withdrew with their 
papers, believed they were to have another hearing, when 
they had nothing to say." It is not pretended that any pa- 
pers were requested immediately previous to the comnit tee's 
retiring; and the circumstance of their withdrawing with their 
papers is a strong evidence that they expected to be heard 
again. Is it not customary, in all courts, civil and ecclesiasti- 
cal, ^fter the examination of witnesses, to take a general 
vi^w of the subject, and make such observations and com- 
ments as naturally occur, and then to give up all papers? 
This was the course which the committee stated in the open- 
ing, of the business they wished to pursue. But this was not 
permitted by the council. The question was asked by the 
council, Have you any other charge to offer ? and they were 
answered, None, except that in which Dr. Morse's evidence 
is necessary.'* The council replied, as Dr. Morse had net ar- 
rived, they wished to be by themselves a few minutes. The 
committee inquired if they intended to adjourn. They an- 
swered, that they were somewhat exhausted, and wished to 
take a little fresh air, or something to that effect. Under 
these circumstances had not the committee good ground to 
believe they should be heard again, especially if Dr. Morse 
should arrive, and that the council would wait a reasonable 
time for the Doctor? But instead of this, did not Mr. B. 
immediately after the council found themselves alone, ask 
the question, " Shall we wait for Dr. Morse ?" and immedi- 
ately reply to his own question, u No, I would sooner wait 
for the meanest wretch in creation." We ask Mr. B. and 
the other members of the council, if this was not the fact ? 
Any candid person, who reflects on these circumsiances, can- 

* The committee in this reply alluded only to charges which required 
evidence not already in possession of the council. The sixth charge, which 
had not been brought forward, they intended to embrace in their conclud 
ing remarks, in review of the subject, and of the general character and co^ 
duct of Mr. Richardson, independently of the other charges. 

G 



[ SO ] 

not be surprised that the committee should think, as some o ; 
them actually did think at that time, that they were literal!) 
tricked out of a further hearing. 

" it is true," says Mr. B. " the council received repeated no 
tices, as the report says ; but as they were without dates or sig- 
natures, they were not entitled to regard." This is a most mi- 
serable subterfuge, under which the writer would shelter himseli 
from an imputation of a breach of common civility, as if there 
could be any doubts in his mind, that the notes which were 
written in the name of a committee who were waiting in the 
next room for admission, and which were handed to the coun- 
cil by the person stationed to guard the door, were really ge- 
nuine, because they were without dates or signatures. 

" As to Dr. Morse's arrival," continues Mr. B. « after 
these transactions, &c. it can have no weight with any man 
who considers the nature of the council." We believe that 
any man, " who considers the nature of the council," of what 
it was composed, and by whom it was governed, will hardly 
suspect Dr. Morse would have been admitted, if it were pos- 
sible to prevent it. 

f e What Dr. Morse had said," continues he, " the council 
did not hear, and the moderator had no information which he 
thought himself bound to communicate." We reply, the mo- 
derator had verbal information, which he promised to comr 
rnunicate ; and a written request that Dr. M. might be heard, 
was dated and signed, and handed in to the council. 

Mr. B. says, '? that ministers applied for admission,, inde^ 
pendently of the ex-parte council, was not made known to 
the council." It is certainly a miserable excuse, that the coun- 
cil did not know this, when they knew that orders were giv- 
en to the door-keeper to exclude all persons who had not 
special permission to enter ; and when they were more than 
once informed that ministers wished to be admitted, but were 
excluded; and we believe the names of some who did not 
belong to the ex-parte council were mentioned. 

Mr. B. having noticed what he thought proper in the re- 
port, and made such statements as he thought proper relative 
to the ordination, makes some general observations on the 
character of Mr. Richardson. " Few people," he says, « are 
able to produce such ample testimony of the invariable good- 
ness of their lives as Mr. R." This he mentions in substance 
three times in the compass of eight lines, as if he were appre* 



I si ] 

tiensive (as we have no doubt he was, and very justly) that 
nobody would believe him. He then takes a view of the 
several recommendations which Mr. Richardson had received, 
of which it is needless for us to take particular notice, as 
most of them were given prior to the date of the facts on 
which the accusations were founded, and none of them go 
directly to invalidate any of the charges. They are mere evi- 
dences of the good opinion of the writers ; and those who 
were in the habit of thinking and judging for themselves did 
not feel bound by the opinion of others (most of whom they 
knew nothing about, but whose motives in recommending 
they were not disposed to call in question) when they were 
in possession of facts on which to form an opinion of their 
own. 

"Suspicions, when once excited," says Mr. B. "and prejudices 
once alarmed, and anger when roused, can associate guilt 
to all the actions of men." Whether the opposers of Mr. 
Richardson have associated guilt, with actions to which it does 
not really belong, shall be left to the decision of others. Con- 
scious, however, that they were men of like passions with 
others, and aware that they were liable to be led astray by 
the infirmities inseparable from human nature, they solicited 
the advice of a very respectable, independent and impartial 
council ; but Mr. B. did not think proper to sufler this council 
to avail themselves of such information as vvas necessary to 
enable them to form a satisfactory opinion on every part of 
the subject on which they were called to advise. 

The writer, in conclusion, bepc s honourable testimony in 
our favour, "that we are supported by popular names," and 
f* that we have the approbation of ancient associations." This 
indeed, next to the probation of our own consciences, is 
our glory and our aoast ; and we frankly confess we value 
the approbation of one ancient association, founded on cor- 
rect and Ifufg tried principles, much more highly than that of 
the whole host of llluminati and modem philsophers. 

Having thus noticed what we thought proper in Mr. B's 
letter, we wouid observe, that some comments which might 
have been made on this, have been anticipated in our preced- 
ing remarks. Many more might still be made, but we con- 
ceive sufficient has been said to give the reader a correct 
view of the unhappy disputes which have taken place in the 
North Parish in Hingham, and of some of the principal cha* 



I 52 j 






laeters concerned. We will only add, that, as we regret the 
occasion which obliged us to do this, so we have avoided touch- 
ing on any thing which justice to ourselves, our society and 
our cause did not seem to us imperiously to demand. We 
now pledge ourselves for the truth of what we have stated 
as facts. Of the candour of our remarks we leave others to 
judge, and submit the whole to the discerning and impartial 
pliblic, before whom we are confident we shall stand not 
only acquitted, but approved. 

• Benj. Lincoln, 

Nathan Rice, 

Samuel Norton, 

Thomas Loring, 

Abner Lincoln, 

Levi Lincoln, 

Robert Thaxter, 

Jerom Cushing, 

William Cushing, J 



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